What is serum?
Q: What is serum?
A: Serum is a clear, yellowish coloured fluid which is part of the blood. It does not contain white or red blood cells or a clotting factor.
Q: What does serum include?
A: Serum includes all proteins not used in blood clotting (coagulation) and all the electrolytes, antibodies, antigens, hormones, and any extra substances (such as drugs and microorganisms).
Q: What is the study of serum called?
A: The study of serum is called serology.
Q: How is serum used in medical diagnostic tests?
A: Serum is used in many medical diagnostic tests, as well as in blood typing.
Q: How is serum obtained?
A: Blood is centrifuged to remove cellular components. Anti-coagulated blood yields plasma containing fibrinogen and clotting factors. Coagulated blood (clotted blood) yields serum without fibrinogen, although some clotting factors remain.
Q: What is the role of serum in the self-renewal of embryonic stem cells?
A: Serum is an important part of the self-renewal of embryonic stem cells when combined with the cytokine leukemia inhibitory factor.
Q: What is the difference between serum and plasma?
A: Serum is the blood plasma without the fibrinogens, while plasma is the liquid part of the blood that contains fibrinogens and clotting factors.
