DiagnoVac Gel & Lithium Heparin Tubes
Plasma tubes with separating gel for clinical chemistry are available with spray-dried lithium heparin additives.
During the centrifugation of the DiagnoVac Gel & Lithium Heparin Tubes, an inert gel separates the plasma and the cells preventing the contamination of the plasma from the separated cellular components.
For example, the plasma for certain analytes such as potassium, phosphorus and glucose must be separated from the cells within a few hours – otherwise the results will be significantly distorted.
Using Gel & Lithium Heparin Tubes, routine analytes in clinical chemistry such as potassium and glucose are still stable after a week of storage at 2-8ºC.
Clinical evaluations of special chemistry demonstrate a high degree of analyte stability with the gel in the DiagnoVac Gel & Lithium Heparin Tubes,
with detection of >90% of the therapeutic drugs and other special analytes (proteins/peptides, steroids and vitamins) tested. The main advantages of gel tubes versus non-gel tubes are:
• Stable barrier between plasma and cells, therefore better analyte stability
• Better sample quality
• Optimisation of the work flow: short centrifugation time, sample processing and archiving in the primary tube
• No possibility of confusion due to the use of secondary tubes
Effects of temperature
DiagnoVac Gel & Lithium Heparin Tubes should be stored at 4-25°C and protected from direct sunlight during storage. Cooling of the tube by or during centrifugation can affect the movement of the gel.
The optimum separation of sediment and plasma is achieved at a temperature of 20-25°C
Centrifugation conditions
1300-2000 g for 10 minutes at 18-25°C or alternatively 3000 g for 5 minutes at 18-25°C
Mixing recommendation
Plasma Separation Tubes should be gently inverted 180° and back 8-10 times. Correct mixing of the DiagnoVac Gel & Lithium Heparin Tubes tube immediately after the blood sample has been taken is extremely important to avoid microclotting.
Available in 3ml (13×75)