Serumgewinnung

Serumgewinnung, also known as serum separation, is the process of extracting serum from blood. Serum is the liquid component of blood that remains after clotting factors have been removed. It is a vital component in medical research, diagnostics, and therapy.

The most common method of serum separation is centrifugation. Blood is collected in a tube and spun at high speeds in a centrifuge. The centrifugal force causes the heavier cells and clotting factors to sediment to the bottom of the tube, leaving the serum at the top. The serum is then carefully removed and stored for further use.

Serum contains a variety of proteins, including albumin, immunoglobulins, and enzymes, which are essential for maintaining the body's fluid balance, fighting infections, and supporting immune function. It is used in various medical applications, such as blood typing, testing for infectious diseases, and as a component in blood products.

There are different types of serum, including whole serum, which contains all the proteins present in blood plasma, and fractionated serum, which contains specific proteins or protein fractions. Whole serum is commonly used in research and diagnostics, while fractionated serum is used in therapy.

Serum separation must be performed carefully to avoid contamination and to ensure the integrity of the serum. Proper handling and storage are crucial to maintain the serum's biological activity and potency. Additionally, ethical considerations and regulations must be adhered to when collecting and using serum, particularly when it involves human blood.