Serumbepalingen

Serumbepalingen (serum determinations) are measurements of chemical constituents in human blood serum performed in clinical laboratories to assess health status, diagnose disease, and monitor therapy. Serum is the liquid that remains after blood has clotted, and obtaining a clean sample requires proper venipuncture, timely separation by centrifugation, and careful handling to minimize hemolysis or lipemic interference. Preanalytical factors such as recent food intake, medications, and sample storage can influence results, so standard protocols are followed to ensure accuracy and comparability.

Analytical methods used for serumbepalingen are diverse. Automated analyzers perform immunoassays, enzymatic and colorimetric assays, and spectrophotometric measurements. More specific determinations employ chromatography (for drugs and metabolites) and tandem mass spectrometry. Nephelometry and turbidimetry are used for certain proteins, while electrochemical methods enable hormone and electrolyte measurements. Laboratories often combine multiple platforms to cover a broad panel of analytes. Quality control, calibration against reference materials, and participation in external proficiency testing are integral to maintaining reliability and traceability of results.

Common analytes measured in serumbepalingen include glucose, lipids (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides), renal markers (creatinine, urea), liver function tests (ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin), electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride), proteins (albumin, total protein), hormones, vitamins, and drugs or toxic substances. Results are interpreted against reference intervals or disease-specific thresholds, considering clinical context and potential interfering factors. Serumbepalingen thus form a core component of clinical chemistry and patient management.