Definition

Noun: * Blood serum: The clear, yellowish fluid that remains after blood has clotted and the blood cells and clotting factors have been removed. It is rich in proteins, antibodies, and other important substances.

Usage

"Blood serum" is a scientific and medical term. It refers specifically to the liquid component of blood, distinct from plasma, as it is obtained after coagulation. It is analyzed in diagnostic tests.

Examples

• The laboratory technician analyzed the patient's blood serum for antibodies.
• Blood serum is used in various medical tests to assess organ function.
• The concentration of electrolytes in the blood serum was within normal limits.

Advanced Usage

• Serology: The scientific study or diagnostic examination of blood serum, especially for the presence of antibodies.
  • Serology tests on the blood serum confirmed the infection.

Variants and Related Words

• Serum (n): A common shortened form of "blood serum." It can also refer to similar fluids from animal tissues or a preparation used for inoculation.
  • The test requires a sample of serum.
• Serous (adj): Relating to, producing, or resembling serum.
  • A serous membrane.

Synonyms

• Serum (when used in a medical/biological context)

Notes on Meaning

It is important to distinguish "blood serum" from plasma. Both are the liquid portion of blood, but plasma is obtained from blood treated with an anticoagulant and still contains clotting factors like fibrinogen. Serum is plasma without these clotting factors.

Noun

1. an amber, watery fluid, rich in proteins, that separates out when blood coagulates