Get insights on the difference between Serum and blood plasma. The basis of comparison include: discovery, description, storage lifespan, composition, function, water content, structure of cell, isolation procedure, fibrinogen, extraction procedure and density including the similarities.
The Difference
Discovery
In 1918 Gordon R. Ward discovered the use of plasma for blood transfusion purposes. On the other hand, Serum was discovered by Karl Landsteiner in the year 1901. This was in an experiment in which he had discovered the presence of blood groups and later realized this effect was due to a substance known as serum. Based on the realization, he then went ahead to label the different types of blood groups.
Description
Blood plasma is a yellowish colored watery intravascular fluid component of the blood in which all blood cells are suspended. Serum on the contrary, is the extracellular fluid component of blood that is present after the coagulation process is complete.
Storage lifespan
Blood plasma can be stored at low temperatures for more than 5 years from the date of collection. On the contrary, serum can be reserved at 2 to 6 degrees celcisius for a few days or can be stored at freezing temperatures for a few months.
Composition
Plasma components include: serum, clotting factors, Albumin, water and globulin. Also it does not have cells. On the other hand, components of serum are antibodies, hormones, antigens, water, metabolites, proteins and electrolytes. Also it does not clotting factors.
Water Content
93 to 95% of blood plasma is water whereas, 90% of serum is composed of water.
Structure of Cells
The cells in the blood plasma are found in a suspended form whereas the cells in the serum stick together in a mesh-like framework called a clot.
Functions
Serum
- Blood serum is commonly used in blood typing.
- It is used as anti-venom and antitoxins for vaccination.
- It used to diagnose medical conditions that have a relationship with blood glucose level, proteins, cholesterol or genetics.
Blood Plasma
- It supports healthy blood pressure.
- It is commonly used to diagnose medical conditions that have a relationship with blood clotting.
- Helps to regulate body temperature.
- It is very useful in transport of materials such as essential nutrients and glucose through the blood.
Process of Extraction
Blood plasma is extracted through the process of centrifugation whereby an anticoagulant is added to the blood sample. The process of extraction is relatively easier and faster. On the other hand, blood serum is extracted through the process of centrifugation. In the process, coagulation of blood components happens at the bottom whereas that of serum stays on top. The process of extraction is difficult and time-consuming.
Fibrinogen
Fibrinogen is a soluble glycoprotein with a central role in blood clotting both as the substrate for fibrin formation and as a ligand for the platelate. Plasma contains fibrinogen whereas serum does not contain fibrinogen.
Volume in the Blood
Serum comprises only a small percentage of the total blood volume. Blood plasma on the other hand, comprises about 55% of the total volume of blood.
Isolation procedure
During the process of isolation of plasma anticoagulants are added to separate the plasma. Serum on the other hand does not need anticoagulants for separation.
Application in Medicine
Blood plasma in medicine is used in the transfers for patients suffering from burns and clotting disorders such as hemophilia. Serum on the other hand, is used in serological studies, in diagnostics tests and in blood group testing.
Density
The average density of blood plasma is approximately 1.025g/ml, while the average density of serum is approximately 1.024g/ml.
The differences between Plasma and Serum in Tabular Form
| Points of Difference | Plasma | Serum |
| Definition | Blood plasma is a yellowish colored watery intravascular fluid component of the blood in which all blood cells are suspended. | Serum on the contrary, is the extracellular fluid component of blood that is present after the coagulation process is complete. |
| Discovery | Discovered in 1918 by Gordon R. Ward. | Discovered by Karl Landsteiner in the year 1901. |
| Storage Lifespan | Can be stored at low temperatures for more than 5 years from the date of collection. | Can be reserved at 2 to 6 degrees celcisius for a few days or can be stored at freezing temperatures for a few months. |
| Composition | Components include: serum, clotting factors, Albumin, water and globulin. Also it does not have cells. | Components of serum are antibodies, hormones, antigens, water, metabolites, proteins and electrolytes. Also it does not clotting factors. |
| Water Content | 93 to 95% of blood plasma is water | 90% of serum is composed of water. |
| Structure of Cells | The cells in the blood plasma are found in a suspended form. | The cells in the serum stick together in a mesh-like framework called a clot. |
| Functions | Blood Plasma It supports healthy blood pressure.It is commonly used to diagnose medical conditions that have a relationship with blood clotting.Helps to regulate body temperature.It is very useful in transport of materials such as essential nutrients and glucose through the blood. | Serum Blood serum is commonly used in blood typing.It is used as anti-venom and antitoxins for vaccination.It used to diagnose medical conditions that have a relationship with blood glucose level, proteins, cholesterol or genetics. |
| Process of Extraction | It is extracted through the process of centrifugation whereby an anticoagulant is added to the blood sample. The process of extraction is relatively easier and faster. | It is extracted through the process of centrifugation. In the process, coagulation of blood components happens at the bottom whereas that of serum stays on top. The process of extraction is difficult and time-consuming. |
| Fibrinogen | Contains fibrinogen. | Does not contain fibrinogen. |
| Percentage in Blood Volume | Comprises about 55% of the total volume of blood. | Comprises only a small percentage of the total blood volume. |
| Isolation Procedure | During the process of isolation of plasma anticoagulants are added to separate the plasma. | Does not need anticoagulants for separation. |
| Application in Medicine | Blood plasma in medicine is used in the transfers for patients suffering from burns and clotting disorders such as hemophilia. | Serum is used in serological studies, diagnostic tests and in blood group testing. |
| Density | The average density of blood plasma is approximately 1.025g/ml. | The average density of serum is approximately 1.024g/ml. |
What are the similarities between Plasma and Serum?
- Both serum and plasma are isolated by the process of centrifugation.
- Both plasma and serum contain metabolites, electrolytes, protein and glucose.
- Both serum and plasma are components of the blood and the circulatory system.
- Both serum and plasma have water contents.
- Both serum and plasma are used for blood testing and diagnostic purposes.
- Both serum and plasma contain antigens and antibodies.
Summary
What is the main difference between plasma and serum?
Blood plasma is a yellowish colored watery intravascular fluid component of the blood in which all blood cells are suspended. Serum on the contrary, is the extracellular fluid component of blood that is present after the coagulation process is complete.