What is serum in the context of blood analysis?

The liquid portion of blood after clotting is referred to as serum. When blood is allowed to clot, the solid components, such as blood cells and clotting factors, are separated from the liquid. Serum is the clear, straw-colored fluid that remains after the clot has formed and the blood has been centrifuged or allowed to stand. This fluid contains water, electrolytes, proteins, hormones, and waste products, making it crucial for various biochemical analyses.

This distinction is important in laboratory settings, as serum is used in numerous diagnostic tests, whereas plasma (the liquid component of unclotted blood) contains clotting factors and is considered separately from serum. By understanding what serum is, professionals can better interpret laboratory results and understand the processes involved in blood analysis.