serum, serology, serological tests

Serum is the liquid part of the blood, normally a golden yellow color, that is left when the blood cells are removed. It is comprised of water (naturally) as well as a very high content of various proteins. These include

albumin - a protein that aids in the proper retention of water in the bloodstream
globulins - which are antibodies
other useful proteins - and lots of them, too

Serum accumulates on burns, scrapes, or impetigo sores and as it dries, produces a characteristic honey-golden crust.

A serological test most commonly referw to a laboratory test done on blood serum to measure antibodies to previous infections.

Serology refers to the results of serological tests, but in normal usage the only serology doctors are speaking of happens to be that for syphillis.

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