What additive is found in a Tiger top or Red top tube?

The additive found in a Tiger top or Red top tube is a Serum Separator, which is designed to facilitate the separation of serum from blood. These tubes typically contain a gel that forms a barrier between serum and the cellular components of the blood after centrifugation. This separation is crucial for various laboratory tests because it ensures that the serum can be analyzed without interference from blood cells or clotting factors.

Serum separator tubes are commonly used for a wide range of tests, including chemistry panels, hormone levels, and various other serum tests, making them a versatile tool in veterinary diagnostics. The inclusion of the serum separator in these tubes allows for efficient handling of samples and helps to maintain sample integrity prior to analysis.