Synthesis and eva‎luation of Serum Separation Gel for Blood Collection Tubes

10/6/2025 12:00:00 AM

Serum separator tubes (SSTs) play a crucial role in isolating serum from blood cells. The polymer gel in these tubes acts as a barrier between the serum and blood clot due to its thixotropic properties and suitable density. Although domestic production of this gel has recently begun, it is still carried out on a limited scale, leading to the widespread use of expensive imported samples. This thesis aims to develop a gel with high mechanical stability and optimal performance in serum separation. To achieve this, a new formulation was developed, consisting of 100 phr silicone oil as the polymer base, 6 phr dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as a crosslinking agent, 12 phr silica powder as a filler, and 2 phr butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) as a stabilizer. The main challenge was to enhance the gel's stability and reduce its interactions with the serum, which was achieved by incorporating BHA. The produced gel was eva‎luated for parameters such as density, thixotropy, and clinical test results. The findings revealed that the gel, when cured at 160°C for 120 minutes, exhibited a density of 1.042 g/cm³ and maintained its thixotropic properties. Additionally, the gel performed effectively in clinical tests, successfully preventing interaction between the serum and blood clot phases

پايداركننده , ژل جداكننده سرم , روغن سيليكون , لوله‌هاي جمع‌آوري خون , تيكسوتروپي , چگالي ژل

Serum separator gel. , silicone oil , blood collection tubes , thixotropy , gel density , Stabilizer

Maryam Aramian Momen

Dr. Afsaneh Mollahosseini