BD Vacutainer SST Tubes add efficiency and safety to laboratory workflow. The prepared plastic tubes are used for blood serum collection for testing and screening. In comparison to glass tube material, these plastic tubes are safer to handle since it's virtually break-resistant. This preserves the sample but also protects healthcare and laboratory workers from exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Additional safeguards are with the Hemogard Closure that's designed to remove human contact with blood on both the stopper and tube rim for further elimination of potential blood splatter.

What is an SST Transport Tube

The SST is Serum Separation Transport and the Vacutainer version contains double the amount of gel in comparison to BD regular SST tubes.

BD Vacutainer Tubes Intended Uses

BD SST Tubes are intended for collecting specimen in physician laboratories and/or remote station and require transport to a laboratory for serum determinations and analysis for the following:

Chemistry Testing
Blood Donor Screening
Infectious Disease Testing

The Purpose of the Silica Coating & Polymer Gel

SST Tubes are sterile and contain a spray-coated silica and polymer gel additive. The gel is used to separate the serum to maintain the quality of the sample while in transport. Silica particles coat the tube and make the inside walls appear cloudy. These particles are the clot activator. It is recommended to invert the tube after filling to ensure the sample is adequately mixed with the clot activator for optimal performance.

Closure Types/Color

The SST Blood Tube is available in a conventional tube stopper (Red/Grey) or a BD Vacutainer® Hemogard™ Tube Closure (Gold) which prevents contact with the blood on the stopper and rim so there isn't blood splatter.

Features and Benefits:

Color-Coded Stopper/Closure
Break-Resistant Plastic Tube
Safe and Efficient
Decreases Turnaround Time
Hemogard Closure Shields Prevents Contact with Blood
Tube Specifically Prepared for Serum Determination

Specifications:

Manufacturer: (BD) Becton Dickinson
367981 - 13 x 75 mm, 3.5mL, Red/Gray Conventional Stopper, Silica/Polymer Gel
367983 - 13 x 75 mm, 3.5mL, Gold Hemogard™ Closure, Silica/Polymer Gel
367986 - 13 x 100 mm, 5.0mL, Gold Hemogard™ Closure, Silica/Polymer Gel
367988 - 16 x 100 mm, 8.5mL, Red/Gray Conventional Stopper, Silica/Polymer Gel
367987 - 16 x 100 mm, 7.5mL, Red/Gray Conventional Stopper, Silica/Polymer Gel
Tube Material: Plastic
Tube Type: Serum Tube
Coating: Silicone
Additive: Gel Separator/Clot Activator
Label Type: Paper
Sterile: Yes
UNSPSC Code: 41104107

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between a BD SST and a PST blood collection tube?

The SST Serum Separator Tube contains both the gel-serum separator and clot activator, while the PST refers to the Plasma Separator Tube containing lithium heparin and a plasma separator.

Can BD Vacutainer gel tubes be re-centrifuged?

No, once the barrier has been formed, BD does not recommend re-centrifuging any gel tubes.

Can SST tubes be used for trace element testing?

No, BD has not tested these tubes for trace element testing.

Can SST tubes be used for TDM therapeutic drug monitoring?

No, it is not recommended to use gel tubes for TDM testing such as tricyclic antidepressant drug testing.

What is the polymer gel composed of?

The polymer gel is made from proprietary inert polyester-based components.

Complimentary Products

Manuals and Documents

BD Tube Guide

Description	Size	Price
#367983 Plastic Gold with BD Hemogard Closure, 3.5 Draw Volume 13 x 75 mm. with Clot Activator, Polymer Gel 1–3 Day Delivery!	Case of 1000	List Price: $549.89 Price: $478.40 ($0.48 ea) You Save: $71.49 (13%) AutoShip & Save 10% Frequency: Subscription Start Date: 01-07-2026 Subscription End By: Until you cancel This will create subscription order until you cancel it from your My Account or your payment get failed multiple times.
#367977 Plastic Gold with BD Hemogard Closure, 4.0 Draw Volume 13 x 100 mm. with Clot Activator, Polymer Gel 2–5 Day Delivery!	Box of 100	List Price: $103.68 Price: $90.20 ($0.90 ea) You Save: $13.48 (13%) AutoShip & Save 10% Frequency: Subscription Start Date: 01-07-2026 Subscription End By: Until you cancel This will create subscription order until you cancel it from your My Account or your payment get failed multiple times.
#367977 Plastic Gold with BD Hemogard Closure, 4.0 Draw Volume 13 x 100 mm. with Clot Activator, Polymer Gel 2–5 Day Delivery!	Case of 1000	List Price: $1001.14 Price: $870.99 ($0.87 ea) You Save: $130.15 (13%) AutoShip & Save 10% Frequency: Subscription Start Date: 01-07-2026 Subscription End By: Until you cancel This will create subscription order until you cancel it from your My Account or your payment get failed multiple times.
#367986 Plastic Gold with BD Hemogard Closure, 5.0 Draw Volume 13 x 100 mm. with Clot Activator, Polymer Gel 1–3 Day Delivery!	Box of 100	List Price: $85.56 Price: $74.44 ($0.74 ea) You Save: $11.12 (13%) AutoShip & Save 10% Frequency: Subscription Start Date: 01-07-2026 Subscription End By: Until you cancel This will create subscription order until you cancel it from your My Account or your payment get failed multiple times.
#367986 Plastic Gold with BD Hemogard Closure, 5.0 Draw Volume 13 x 100 mm. with Clot Activator, Polymer Gel 1–3 Day Delivery!	Case of 1000	List Price: $845.43 Price: $735.52 ($0.74 ea) You Save: $109.91 (13%) AutoShip & Save 10% Frequency: Subscription Start Date: 01-07-2026 Subscription End By: Until you cancel This will create subscription order until you cancel it from your My Account or your payment get failed multiple times.
#367983 Plastic Gold with BD Hemogard Closure, 3.5 Draw Volume 13 x 75 mm. with Clot Activator, Polymer Gel 1–3 Day Delivery!	Box of 100	List Price: $56.16 Price: $48.86 ($0.49 ea) You Save: $7.30 (13%) AutoShip & Save 10% Frequency: Subscription Start Date: 01-07-2026 Subscription End By: Until you cancel This will create subscription order until you cancel it from your My Account or your payment get failed multiple times.
#367988 Plastic Red / Gray with Conventional Closure, 8.5 Draw Volume 16 x 100 mm. with Clot Activator, Polymer Gel 1–3 Day Delivery!	Box of 100	List Price: $77.89 Price: $67.76 ($0.68 ea) You Save: $10.13 (13%) AutoShip & Save 10% Frequency: Subscription Start Date: 01-07-2026 Subscription End By: Until you cancel This will create subscription order until you cancel it from your My Account or your payment get failed multiple times.
#367988 Plastic Red / Gray with Conventional Closure, 8.5 Draw Volume 16 x 100 mm. with Clot Activator, Polymer Gel 1–3 Day Delivery!	Case of 1000	List Price: $777.59 Price: $676.50 ($0.68 ea) You Save: $101.09 (13%) AutoShip & Save 10% Frequency: Subscription Start Date: 01-07-2026 Subscription End By: Until you cancel This will create subscription order until you cancel it from your My Account or your payment get failed multiple times.

BD Vacutainer SST Blood Collection Tubes

Product Highlights

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