Final answer:
Gold top tubes should be inverted 5 to 10 times. This ensures the clot activator and gel mix with the blood, aiding in serum separation during centrifugation. Avoid vigorous shaking to prevent hemolysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
When using gold top tubes (SST or Serum Separator Tubes) the recommended number of times to invert the tube is between 5 and 10 times after the blood specimen has been collected. The purpose of inverting the tube is to ensure that the clot activator and thixotropic gel, present inside the tube, are properly mixed with the blood. This facilitates the separation of the serum from the clot when the sample is centrifuged.
Invert the gold top tubes gently and thoroughly as overly vigorous shaking can lead to hemolysis, potentially affecting the quality of the serum sample. Always follow the specific guidelines provided by the lab or the manufacturer of the collection tubes as inversion recommendations may vary slightly based on the specific brand or type of tube used.