In clinical laboratory practice, serum separation gel serves as an efficient separation medium, and its performance directly affects the quality of the test samples. However, the phenomenon of separation gel "climbing the wall" occurs from time to time, which not only affects the serum recovery rate but may also interfere with subsequent testing. A deep understanding of the formation mechanism of wall climbing phenomenon and the adoption of scientific preventive measures are of great significance for ensuring the accuracy of inspection results. From controlling clotting time to optimizing centrifugation parameters, every step requires precise control.

Analysis of the causes of wall climbing phenomenon of serum separation gel

The climbing of separation glue on the wall is mainly due to the imbalance of physical and chemical reactions. When the interfacial tension between serum or plasma and the separation gel does not match, the gel may climb along the tube wall. This situation often occurs in a state of insufficient coagulation and incomplete serum precipitation. At this point, the force distribution between the colloid and the blood clot is uneven, causing the colloid to move towards the tube wall. There are differences in the inner wall surface of blood collection tubes made of different materials, and without silicification treatment, it is easy to cause wall climbing phenomenon. In addition, improper centrifugal parameter settings, such as high rotational speed or prolonged time, may exacerbate abnormal migration of colloids. Understanding these causes is a prerequisite for effective prevention.

Scientific control of clotting time

Adequate clotting time is the primary condition for avoiding the phenomenon of serum separation gel crawling. It is recommended that the clotting time be no less than 15 minutes, which can ensure sufficient separation of serum/plasma and the formation of a stable blood clot structure. During this process, fibrin is fully polymerized, and the blood sediment is completely precipitated, providing a stable support foundation for the separation gel. Insufficient time can lead to incomplete separation of serum and loose structure of blood clots. At this point, adding separation gel may cause the gel to get trapped in the gaps between blood clots, resulting in irregular movement during centrifugation.

Optimization selection of blood collection tube materials

The choice of material for blood collection tubes directly affects the performance of serum separation gel. Glass tubes and PET tubes with good silicification treatment have suitable surface energy and can form stable interfaces with separation adhesives. The silicification layer can reduce the surface energy of the pipe wall, decrease the interaction between colloids and the pipe wall, and effectively prevent wall climbing phenomenon. When selecting blood collection tubes, special attention should be paid to the inner wall treatment process. High quality silicification treatment can form a uniform coating and avoid local surface energy differences.

Accurate control of centrifugal parameters

The centrifugal condition setting is the technical key. Recommend using a relative centrifugal force of 1500g for a duration of 5 minutes. This parameter combination has been extensively validated through experiments and can effectively separate serum while reducing abnormal movement of serum separation gel. Excessive centrifugal force can exacerbate colloidal deformation and increase the risk of wall climbing. The control of centrifugation time is equally important. Short time and insufficient separation; If the time is too long, it may damage the stability of the colloid.

Systematic implementation of quality control

Establishing a comprehensive quality control system is crucial. It should include multiple aspects such as verification of separation gel properties, quality assessment of blood collection tubes, and monitoring of centrifuge status. Regularly evaluate the separation effect, record the occurrence rate of wall climbing phenomenon, and provide data support for continuous improvement. The mechanism for handling abnormal situations is also indispensable. Once the phenomenon of separation adhesive climbing occurs, there should be a clear processing procedure, including sample evaluation, cause analysis, and corrective measures. Through systematic quality control, the incidence of wall climbing can be effectively reduced and the quality of serum separation can be improved.

Professional technical support and quality assurance

Professional technical support is crucial in the pursuit of quality inspection. Hubei Xindesheng Material Technology Co., Ltd., as a professional supplier of in vitro diagnostic raw materials, is committed to providing high-quality serum separation gel and other blood collection tube additive products for clinical laboratories. New Desheng's serum separation gel products have undergone strict quality control and have been unanimously recognized by domestic and foreign customers. We can also provide professional technical support to help the laboratory optimize the use of serum separation gel and effectively prevent wall climbing.