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We have used SST tubes for many years now. Our preliminary evaluations and experience since show no problems with our endocrine assays (TFT's, LH, FSH, Testosterone, Oestradiol, Prolactin, Progesterone, Cortisol) when measured within a short time of receipt. However, on prolonged storage, we have noted variation, especially with Progesterone, so we are wary of retrospective analyses. For therapeutic druugs, we ask for a plain tube - we have noticed lower levels when left on gel for > 6 hrs and this is in keeping with published findings (sorry - can't put my hand on the reference at the moment). A did have problems occasionally with gel caoting probes of analysers - this seemed to occur particularly in hot weather and was also particularly a problem with samples from GPs so we were a little uncertain about storage conditions. Emphasising that these tubes should be kept in a cool environment seems to have helped this problem. Joe Begley Poole Hospital -----Original Message----- From: iu yan ping <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]> Date: Thursday, June 24, 1999 2:22 AM Subject: SST >Our lab is urgently required to switch to gel-barrier tubes for routine >biochemistry tests. Could anyone share their experience on the effect of >separator gel with assays of endocrine hormones, therapeutic drugs and so >forth? And paricularly on aspects of degree of analytical variation and >time-related stability. > >Some analytes like estradiol, progesterone, carbamazepine etc have >documented prone to silicone interference. Providing two types of clotted >blood containers surely will complicate the blood collection procedure. >Should we take a draconian line to limit SST for routine chemistries and >plain tube for other serum assays; or adopt a more lax policy to smooth out >the blood taking process, provided that the potiential variation is under >control or made known to clinicians ? > >Any help gratefully received. > >Hiu > >Please send your advice to the mailbase or directly to <[log in to unmask]> > >iuyp > > >______________________________________________________ >Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%