Serum
Definition
The fluid that remains after blood has clotted and the clot has been removed. It is plasma minus fibrinogen and other clotting factors. Serum contains antibodies and other proteins relevant to species testing and historically to blood-group grouping by antibody reaction.
Related terms
- Haematocrit
- The proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells, approximately 45% in adult males and 40% in adult females. Influences the...
- Haemoglobin
- The iron-containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Its peroxidase-like activity is the basis of most presumptive blood tests; its...
- Haemolysis
- The rupture of red blood cells and release of haemoglobin into the surrounding fluid. In casework, haemolysis of aged stains, wet stains,...
- Methaemoglobin
- An oxidised form of haemoglobin in which ferrous iron (Fe2+) is converted to ferric iron (Fe3+), unable to carry oxygen. Its formation...
- Plasma
- The liquid fraction of blood (approximately 55% by volume), containing water, proteins (albumin, immunoglobulins, fibrinogen, clotting factors), electrolytes, glucose, hormones, and dissolved...
Explained in
- Composition and Properties of BloodThe fluid that remains after blood has clotted and the clot has been removed. It is plasma minus fibrinogen and other clotting factors. Serum contains antibodi...