A serum test is a type of blood test that analyzes the liquid portion of the blood, called serum. This clear liquid contains various proteins, hormones, and other substances that can be measured to diagnose and monitor different health conditions.
To obtain a serum sample, a blood draw is performed, and the blood is spun in a centrifuge. This process separates the blood cells from the serum, which is then collected for testing.
Serum tests can help identify a wide range of medical conditions, including:
- Liver disease: A serum albumin test measures the amount of albumin in the blood, which is produced by the liver. Low albumin levels can indicate liver damage.
- Kidney disease: A serum creatinine test measures the level of creatinine in the blood, which is a waste product filtered by the kidneys. High creatinine levels can indicate kidney dysfunction.
- Infections: Serum tests can be used to detect antibodies to certain pathogens, indicating exposure to or infection with a particular organism.
- Hormonal imbalances: Serum tests can measure hormone levels, such as thyroid hormones or sex hormones, to diagnose endocrine disorders.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Serum tests can assess levels of essential vitamins and minerals, helping diagnose nutritional deficiencies.
- Cancer: Serum tests can detect certain proteins or markers associated with specific cancers, such as PSA (prostate-specific antigen) for prostate cancer.
Examples of serum tests:
- Albumin test: Measures the amount of albumin protein in the blood.
- Creatinine test: Measures the level of creatinine in the blood.
- Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test: Measures the level of TSH in the blood, which helps regulate thyroid function.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: Measures the level of PSA in the blood, which can indicate prostate cancer.
