@jk16197: Yes, serum tubes are SUPPOSED to clot, but only AFTER the blood is put into the tube. You always want to mix ALL of your tubes adequately and then serum tubes should sit at least for 30 minutes prior to centrifugation in order to avoid being spun too early which can make the serum stick to the gel, making more work and wasting more time. When ordering tests, you can always look at the labs testing directory and it will always tell you the preferred sample type, minimum requirements for how much blood you need, and stability times whether it’s room temp, refrigerated or frozen. Here at this hospital we run all chemistry tests off of plasma, 95% of the time because it is SO much faster for our ER patients. There are some hospitals that have stat clot activator tubes that don’t take as long to clot but not every hospital stocks those tubes. Waiting 30 minutes for the tube to clot is very important for correct testing, but it wastes a lot of time when the nurse/doc is waiting for results. If serum is preferred for that specific testing methodology, collect the serum tube, but if you’re in a rush and need results STAT, collect a lithium heparin plasma (green top) tube IF that test allows it. & you can always call your lab besties and we will always be there to assist you with what tubes to draw!😊 #serumtubes #clotactivator #medtechtok #educationalpurposes #labtechsoftiktok #medicallaboratoryscience #lablife #nursetok #phlebotomy #drawingblood

Jess | MLS | Mom

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Saturday 09 August 2025 20:13:55 GMT