Serum vs. Plasma (17 Major Differences)

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Differences between Serum and Plasma
S.N.CharacteristicsSerum Plasma
1.DefinitionThe clear yellow fluid separated when blood is allowed to clot freely.Yellowish and slight alkaline fluid, in which blood cells float.
2.Clotting factorsIt is the watery fluid from blood without the clotting factors.It is the blood fluid that contains blood-clotting agents.
3.CompositionThe serum contains proteins, electrolytes, antibodies, antigens, and hormones.It contains all suspended blood cells with proteins, salts, lipids, glucose.
4.Water contentThe serum contains 90% water.Plasma contains 92-95% of water.
5.ComponentsThe serum contains proteins like albumin and globulins.Plasma contains clotting factors and water.
6.FibrinogenFibrinogen absent.Fibrinogen present.
7.Cell arrangementCells are usually attached together by clot formation.Cells are not attached together and suspended in plasma.
8.Method of SeparationAcquired from the process of spinning after clotting.Acquired from the process of spinning before clotting.
9.Use of Anti-coagulantAnticoagulant is not needed to separate the serum.Anticoagulant is required to obtain plasma.
10.Feasibility of SeparationSeparation of serum requires higher levels of expertise, expenses and is time-consuming.Separation of plasma is relatively easy and inexpensive
11.Volume in bloodLess volume in comparison to plasma.Consists of 55% of the total volume of blood.
12.DensityThe density of serum is 1.024g/ml.The density of plasma is 1.025g/ml.
13.StorageThe serum can be stored at 2-6 degrees centigrade for several days.Frozen plasma can be stored for up to a year.
14.DiscolorationThe serum does not discolor on standing.Plasma tends to discolor on standing.
15.ImportanceThe serum is the primary source of electrolytes.The function of the plasma is the transport of excretory metabolites and materials in the blood. It also helps in the maintenance of blood pressure and in the regulation of body temperature.
16.Associated termsThe branch of study that deals with studying serum and analyzing it for diagnostic purposes are called serology.Plasmapheresis refers to the process of isolation of plasma from the blood using centrifugation.
17.UsesHuman serum is usually used for the purpose of diagnostic testing. Other animal seras are used as anti-venom, antitoxins, and vaccinations. They are also used in humans for therapeutic purposes.Plasma is delivered to the patients who lack blood cells. It is also Transferred to patients who suffer from hemophilia, shocks, burns, and other clotting problems.

References

  1. https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-plasma-and-vs-serum/
  2. https://www.bioexplorer.net/differences-between-serum-and-plasma.html/
  3. http://medimoon.com/2012/07/difference-between-plasma-and-serum/
  4. http://www.microbiologynotes.com/differences-between-serum-and-plasma/
  5. https://microbiologyinfo.com/difference-between-serum-and-plasma/

About Author

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Sagar Aryal, PhD

Dr. Sagar Aryal is a microbiologist, researcher, and science communicator from Nepal. He is also co-founder and Research Head of the Department of Natural Products at the Kathmandu Research Institute for Biological Sciences (KRIBS), where he leads research on natural product discovery and microbial biodiversity. Dr. Aryal earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology from Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal, in 2025, supported by a DAAD Research Grant and a University Grants Commission (UGC) Nepal Ph.D. Fellowship. His research interests include Actinomycetes, Myxobacteria, microbial taxonomy, and natural products, particularly the discovery of bioactive compounds with potential pharmaceutical applications. He isolated and identified Nocardia nepalensis, a novel bacterial species from Nepal, contributing to understanding microbial diversity in the region. Dr. Aryal has published more than 16 research articles in international journals and contributed three book chapters to established academic publications. He has presented scientific research findings and developed international research collaborations through visits to more than 18 countries across Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania. From 2023 to 2025, he served as the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Young Ambassador to Nepal. Since December 2025, he has served as an Editorial Board Member of Scientific Reports, a Nature Portfolio journal. In recognition of his scientific contributions, Dr. Aryal received the NAST Science and Technology Youth Award 2025 from the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology. He previously received the Frs. Locke and Stiller Research Award (LSRA) for the 2017-2018 cycle from St. Xavier's College, Kathmandu, and a Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) Research Grant for 2017-2018. Alongside his scientific career, Dr. Aryal has more than 15 years of experience in blogging, content writing, and search engine optimization (SEO).