Differences between Serum and Plasma (Serum vs Plasma)

June 21, 2018

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Differences between Serum and Plasma
Here are the major differences:
References
Differences between Serum and Plasma

Differences between Serum and Plasma

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