Difference Between Plasma and Serum. Many are aware that plasma and serum are related to blood, but not everyone possesses a deep understanding of this matter. Let’s delve into what these substances are and how they fundamentally differ.
So, one of the fluids performing vital functions in the body is blood. Obeying the beats of the heart, it constantly circulates, transporting various substances to their designated locations. In addition to transportation, blood is responsible for many other aspects. This complex substance performs numerous tasks and functions.
A significant portion of blood is composed of what are known as formed elements. These include a specific number of leukocytes, platelets, and cells called erythrocytes. All these components exist within a liquid medium, which is referred to as plasma. This substance can be observed as a light layer above the settled blood, with the heavier particles sinking to the bottom.
Plasma itself is also a combination of multiple components, each with a distinct purpose. Its foundation is water, in which proteins of various types, vitamins, nutrients, and mineral compounds are dissolved. Furthermore, plasma contains waste products of metabolism and an array of other elements.
As we can see, we’re discussing a rich substance that naturally resides in the blood, consistently functioning within the body. Meanwhile, serum can only be obtained outside of the body. It is derived from plasma. Plasma contains fibrinogen, a protein component responsible for blood clotting.
Serum remains after fibrinogen is removed through specific techniques. The obtained fraction is usually yellowish, though it may have a reddish hue due to the presence of certain particles. The value of such a liquid lies in its stability. Unclotted serum can be stored for an extended period. Its composition remains uniform, devoid of unnecessary clots.
Moreover, the practical significance of serum lies in its richness in antibodies, which pathogens fear. Such a blood product is indispensable in the production of medications that serve not only therapeutic but also preventive purposes. This composition is used in disease diagnostics, conducting various research, and other applications.