Which statement correctly describes the presence of a gel separator in PST tubes?

Which statement correctly describes the presence of a gel separator in PST tubes?

• A. Gel separator is present in PST tubes.
• B. Gel separator is not present in PST tubes.
• C. PST tubes contain EDTA.
• D. PST tubes have no plasma separation capability.

Answer: (A)

PST tubes are designed to produce a clean plasma sample, so they include a gel separator that forms a physical barrier between the plasma and the cellular components after centrifugation. This gel separator is what makes PST tubes capable of separating plasma from cells, which is why the statement about its presence is correct. In addition, PST tubes use an anticoagulant to prevent clotting, typically lithium heparin, not EDTA, which is why the option claiming the tubes contain EDTA isn’t accurate. The idea that PST tubes have no plasma separation capability contradicts their purpose, so that option isn’t correct.

PST tubes are designed to produce a clean plasma sample, so they include a gel separator that forms a physical barrier between the plasma and the cellular components after centrifugation. This gel separator is what makes PST tubes capable of separating plasma from cells, which is why the statement about its presence is correct. In addition, PST tubes use an anticoagulant to prevent clotting, typically lithium heparin, not EDTA, which is why the option claiming the tubes contain EDTA isn’t accurate. The idea that PST tubes have no plasma separation capability contradicts their purpose, so that option isn’t correct.