Blood Components and Their Uses

These flashcards cover key concepts related to whole blood, plasma, and serum, including definitions, uses, and common tests associated with each.

Whole Blood

Blood exactly as it comes from the patient, containing red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

Plasma

The liquid portion of blood with clotting factors still present, consisting of water, electrolytes, proteins, hormones, and clotting factors like fibrinogen.

Serum

Plasma after clotting has occurred, containing water, electrolytes, proteins, hormones, and antibodies, but no clotting factors.

Anticoagulant

A substance used to prevent blood from clotting.

Coagulation Studies

Tests used to evaluate the blood's ability to clot.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A common blood test that measures a variety of parameters of the blood, including red and white blood cell counts.

Serology

The scientific study of serum and other bodily fluids, often used for antibody testing.