Final answer:
Specimens in serum separator tubes are typically sent to the chemistry department. Serum is separated from the blood cells after clotting occurs and is used for a wide variety of chemical analyses to monitor health and diagnose diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Specimens collected in serum separator tubes are most frequently delivered to chemistry departments for analysis. During the hour that a blood sample is in a glass tube, the blood clots and the serum, which is the liquid portion of blood without the clotting factors, separates from the clotted cells. Serum is a vital diagnostic tool used to diagnose and monitor diseases, as well as classify blood types. It provides a clear medium containing essential components such as hormones, electrolytes, antibodies, antigens, and other soluble proteins and molecules.
When a lab technician collects a blood sample and lets it rest, components such as blood cells and platelets precipitate at the bottom of the tube under the influence of gravity or centrifugal force if a centrifuge is used. The clear liquid that is left at the top is the serum, free from clotting factors but containing important substances needed for medical analysis.
After harvesting the serum, tests performed in the chemistry department may include assessments of enzyme activity, electrolyte levels, drug monitoring and other chemical analyses that give a broad overview of a patient's health status and function of various organs.