Serum
The clear liquid that can be separated from clotted blood. Serum differs from plasma, the liquid portion of normal unclotted blood containing the red and white cells and platelets. It is the clot that makes the difference between serum and plasma.
Terms in this dictionary with the word “serum” include maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and serum hepatitis.
The term “serum” also is used to designate any normal or pathological fluid that resembles serum as, for example, the fluid in a blister.
“Serum” is a Latin word that refers to the “whey”, the watery liquid that separates from the curds in the process of cheesemaking.
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- Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT)
An enzyme that is normally present in liver and heart cells. SGOT is released into blood when the liver or heart is damaged. The blood SGOT levels are thus elevated with liver damage (for example, from viral hepatitis) or with an insult to the heart (for example, from a heart attack). Some medications can also […]
- Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT)
An enzyme that is normally present in liver and heart cells. SGPT is released into blood when the liver or heart is damaged. The blood SGPT levels are thus elevated with liver damage (for example, from viral hepatitis) or with an insult to the heart (for example, from a heart attack). Some medications can also […]
- Serving size
One medium-sized fruit (such as apples, oranges, bananas, pears) 1/2 cup of raw, cooked, canned or frozen fruits or vegetables 3/4 cup (6 oz.) of 100% fruit or vegetable juice 1/2 cup cut-up fruit 1/2 cup cooked or canned legumes (such as beans and peas) 1 cup of raw, leafy vegetables (such as lettuce and […]
- Sesamoid bone
A little bone that is embedded in a joint capsule or tendon. For example, the kneecap (patella) is a sesamoid bone.
- Sesamoiditis
Inflammation of a sesamoid bone. The patella (kneecap) is a sesamoid bone. Inflammation of the patella is a form of sesamoiditis. The condition is difficult to diagnosis and can be quite painful yet may respond well to surgery.