Serum (blood)

Serum is the clear, yellowish part of blood that remains after coagulation. It contains water, proteins, minerals, hormones, cholesterol, glucose, and other substances. Serum is used in numerous diagnostic tests, as well as blood typing.

Composition

Serum is similar to plasma, the other main component of blood, but does not contain fibrinogen or other clotting factors. The primary components of serum are:

• Water: The majority of serum is water, which acts as a solvent for carrying other substances.
• Proteins: These include albumin, globulin, and fibrinogen. Proteins in the serum are important for the body's immune response and maintaining the correct balance of fluid in the body.
• Minerals: These include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride. Minerals in the serum help to maintain the body's electrolyte balance and are necessary for many bodily functions.
• Hormones: These are chemical messengers that are transported in the serum to target cells throughout the body.
• Cholesterol: This is a type of fat that is carried in the serum. High levels of certain types of cholesterol in the serum can increase the risk of heart disease.
• Glucose: This is a type of sugar that is carried in the serum. The level of glucose in the serum is an important indicator of metabolic health.

Uses

Serum is used in a variety of diagnostic tests, including:

• Blood typing: Serum contains antibodies that can be used to determine a person's blood type.
• Serology: This is the study of serum, particularly the study of antibodies in the serum.
• Biochemical analysis: This involves measuring the levels of various substances in the serum, such as glucose, cholesterol, and proteins.

Serum is also used in blood transfusions and in the production of certain medications.

See also

• Blood plasma
• Blood test
• Serology

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