What differentiates serum from plasma?

Serum and plasma are both components of blood, but they differ primarily in their composition and the way they are obtained. Plasma is the liquid portion of blood that remains after it has been anticoagulated; it contains clotting factors, which are essential for the coagulation process. When blood is allowed to clot, the liquid that remains after the blood clots is called serum. This serum is devoid of clotting factors because they are consumed in the clotting process.

In this context, the distinction highlighted in the chosen answer emphasizes that plasma retains all its components, including clotting factors, whereas serum does not contain these factors due to their role in coagulation. A clear understanding of this difference is crucial for laboratory practices when samples are prepared for various tests, especially those that assess coagulation.

Other options, while potentially addressing aspects of serum and plasma, do not accurately represent the key distinction. For instance, while serum can appear clear, there are conditions where it can become cloudy, typically due to lipids or other substances. Additionally, serum is not derived solely from red blood cells; it is more about the fluid that results from the clotting of whole blood, rather than originating from a specific type of blood cell. Thus, the emphasis on