Anatomy & TerminologyQuestion 93 of 100
What distinguishes plasma from serum?
a.Serum contains fibrinogen and plasma does not
b.Plasma is obtained only from a serum separator tube
c.Serum contains red cells and plasma does not
d.Plasma contains fibrinogen and clotting factors, while serum is the fluid left after clotting
Explanation
Plasma comes from an anticoagulated tube and still contains fibrinogen and the clotting factors, while serum is what remains after the blood has clotted and consumed fibrinogen. Neither fraction contains red cells once the specimen is centrifuged. Plasma requires an anticoagulant tube such as heparin or EDTA, not a serum separator tube.
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