Difference Between Plasma and Serum
Now that quantities we know the basics of plasma and serum, let us look at the key differences between them.
Plasma |
Serum |
|---|---|
| It is the fluid part of the blood with clotting properties. | It is the fluid part of the blood without any clotting properties. |
| It is present in larger quantities in the blood. | Comparatively, it is not present in such large quantities in the blood. |
| It is obtained by direct centrifugation. | It requires clotting before centrifugation. |
| The preparation of plasma is quick since it is not coagulated. | The preparation of serum is not that quick. |
| It requires addition of anticoagulants while its preparation, which might give incorrect results. | The same is not true for serum and it is a better liquid for testing. |
| Plasma necessarily requires the use of anticoagulants for separation. | The serum does not require the use of anticoagulants for separation. |
| It is a medium where cells are suspended and not dissolved. | Serum simply contains proteins, electrolytes, hormones, antibodies and antigens. |
| Plasma samples may also form clots that will lead to errors. | Such difficulties are not faced with a serum sample. |
| It is mainly important for blood clotting. | It is mainly important for antibodies. |
| It has 95% water. | It has 90% water. |
| It can be stored in frozen form for even a year. | It can be stored at a maximum of 6 degrees for a few days. |
| Its density is 1025 kg/m3 | Its density is 1.025g/ml |
| It is used in case of insufficient blood cells. | It is mostly used in blood tests. |
Difference Between Plasma And Serum
Plasma and serum are both present in the blood, but the percentage of plasma is more in contrast to serum. Plasma is a pale-yellow fluid that can be obtained from anticoagulant-containing vials, which prevents the clotting of blood, and after centrifugation, plasma will be obtained. Serum is also yellow in color and is obtained after centrifugation of clotted blood. The percentage of plasma in blood is 55%. Both serum and plasma are used for diagnostic purposes.
Table of Content
- Difference Between Plasma and Serum
- Characteristics of Plasma and Serum
- What is Plasma?
- Functions of Plasma
- What is Serum?
- Functions of Serum
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