
Serum
Serum is a clear liquid that remains after blood has clotted and the solid components, like red blood cells and platelets, have been removed. It contains water, electrolytes, hormones, nutrients, and proteins, including antibodies. Serum is crucial in medical testing and research because it helps diagnose diseases, monitor health, and conduct various laboratory analyses. Unlike plasma, which contains clotting factors, serum is used when those factors are not needed for a test, allowing for a more accurate assessment of certain conditions. Overall, serum plays a vital role in understanding and managing health.