The Importance of Separating Plasma or Serum in Medical Laboratory Testing
Summary
- Some tests require the separation of plasma or serum from whole blood in a medical lab setting in the US.
- These tests include chemistry panels, hormone tests, and infectious disease screenings.
- The process of separating plasma or serum from whole blood is essential for accurate Test Results.
Introduction
Medical laboratories play a crucial role in healthcare by providing diagnostic testing services to patients and Healthcare Providers. One important aspect of testing in a lab setting is the separation of plasma or serum from whole blood. This process is necessary for a variety of tests that help healthcare professionals diagnose and monitor different health conditions. In this article, we will explore the specific tests that require the separation of plasma or serum from whole blood in a medical laboratory setting in the United States.
Chemistry Panels
Chemistry panels are a common type of laboratory test that require the separation of plasma or serum from whole blood. These panels typically include a variety of tests that measure different components in the blood, such as electrolytes, liver enzymes, and kidney function markers. Some of the specific tests that may be included in a chemistry panel and require the separation of plasma or serum include:
- Glucose levels
- Lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides)
- Liver function tests (AST, ALT, ALP)
- Kidney function tests (creatinine, BUN)
- Electrolyte levels (sodium, potassium, calcium)
Hormone Tests
Hormone tests are another category of laboratory tests that often require the separation of plasma or serum. These tests measure the levels of various hormones in the blood and can help diagnose conditions related to hormone imbalances. Some examples of hormone tests that may require the separation of plasma or serum include:
- Thyroid function tests (TSH, T3, T4)
- Testosterone levels
- Estrogen levels
- Insulin levels
- Cortisol levels
Infectious Disease Screenings
Screenings for Infectious Diseases also commonly involve the separation of plasma or serum from whole blood. These tests are used to detect the presence of pathogens, such as viruses or bacteria, in the blood. Some examples of infectious disease screenings that may require the separation of plasma or serum include:
- HIV screening
- Hepatitis B and C screenings
- Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screenings
- Lyme disease testing
- Zika virus testing
Benefits of Separating Plasma or Serum
The process of separating plasma or serum from whole blood is essential for obtaining accurate Test Results. Here are some of the benefits of this separation process:
- Eliminates interference: Separating plasma or serum helps remove any cellular components that could interfere with the Test Results, ensuring accurate readings.
- Allows for specific testing: Some tests require only plasma or serum to be analyzed, making the separation process necessary to obtain the required sample.
- Improves test sensitivity: Separating plasma or serum can improve the sensitivity of certain tests by increasing the concentration of the target analytes in the sample.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the separation of plasma or serum from whole blood is a critical step in many laboratory tests performed in medical settings in the United States. Tests such as chemistry panels, hormone tests, and infectious disease screenings all require this separation process to obtain accurate and reliable results. Understanding the specific tests that necessitate the separation of plasma or serum is essential for Healthcare Providers and laboratory professionals to provide quality diagnostic services to patients.
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