Seeruminäyte

Seeruminäyte refers to a blood sample collected for the purpose of analyzing the serum. Serum is the liquid component of blood that remains after clotting has occurred, meaning it lacks fibrinogen and other clotting factors. The process typically involves drawing blood into a collection tube, which is then allowed to clot at room temperature for a period of time. Following clot formation, the tube is centrifuged to separate the solid blood cells from the liquid serum. The clear, straw-colored liquid that is decanted or pipetted off is the serum, which is then used for various laboratory tests.

Serum analysis is crucial in medical diagnostics. It allows for the measurement of a wide range of substances, including electrolytes, enzymes, hormones, lipids, proteins, and therapeutic drugs. For instance, serum electrolytes like sodium and potassium are vital for assessing hydration and kidney function. Liver enzymes in the serum can indicate damage to the liver. Hormone levels, such as thyroid hormones or cortisol, are measured to diagnose endocrine disorders. Lipid profiles, including cholesterol and triglycerides, are used to assess cardiovascular risk. The presence and levels of certain antibodies in the serum can help diagnose infectious diseases and autoimmune conditions. Furthermore, therapeutic drug monitoring relies on serum samples to ensure medication levels are within the effective and safe range. The stability and composition of serum make it a preferred specimen for many biochemical and immunological assays.