Differences between Serum and Plasma
S.N. |
Characteristics |
Serum |
Plasma |
1. |
Definition |
The clear yellow fluid separated when blood
is allowed to clot freely. |
Yellowish and slight alkaline fluid, in
which blood cells float. |
2. |
Clotting factors |
It is the watery fluid from blood without
the clotting factors. |
It is the blood fluid that contains
blood-clotting agents. |
3. |
Composition |
The serum contains proteins, electrolytes,
antibodies, antigens, and hormones. |
It contains all suspended blood cells with
proteins, salts, lipids, glucose. |
4. |
Water content |
The serum contains 90% water. |
Plasma contains 92-95% of water. |
5. |
Components |
The serum contains proteins like albumin and
globulins. |
Plasma contains clotting factors and water. |
6. |
Fibrinogen |
Fibrinogen absent. |
Fibrinogen present. |
7. |
Cell arrangement |
Cells are usually attached together by clot
formation. |
Cells are not attached together and
suspended in plasma. |
8. |
Method of Separation |
Acquired from the process of spinning after
clotting. |
Acquired from the process of spinning before
clotting. |
9. |
Use of Anti-coagulant |
Anticoagulant is not needed to separate the serum. |
Anticoagulant is required to obtain plasma. |
10. |
Feasibility of Separation |
Separation of serum requires higher levels
of expertise, expenses and is time-consuming. |
Separation of plasma is relatively easy and
inexpensive |
11. |
Volume in blood |
Less volume in comparison to plasma. |
Consists of 55% of the total volume of
blood. |
12. |
Density |
The density of serum is 1.024g/ml. |
The density of plasma is 1.025g/ml. |
13. |
Storage |
The serum can be stored at 2-6 degrees
centigrade for several days. |
Frozen plasma can be stored for up to a
year. |
14. |
Discoloration |
The serum does not discolor on standing. |
Plasma tends to discolor on standing. |
15. |
Importance |
The serum is the primary source of
electrolytes. |
The function of the plasma is the transport
of excretory metabolites and materials in the blood. It also helps in the
maintenance of blood pressure and in the regulation of body temperature. |
16. |
Associated terms |
The branch of study that deals with studying
serum and analyzing it for diagnostic purposes are called serology. |
Plasmapheresis refers to the process of
isolation of plasma from the blood using centrifugation. |
17. |
Uses |
Human serum is usually used for the purpose
of diagnostic testing. Other animal seras are used as anti-venom, antitoxins,
and vaccinations. They are also used in humans for therapeutic purposes. |
Plasma is delivered to the patients who lack
blood cells. It is also Transferred to patients who suffer from hemophilia,
shocks, burns, and other clotting problems. |
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