[Comparison of values, obtained on heparinised serum or plasma, for common biochemical examinations]

The biologist may prefer to use plasma rather than serum to facilitate sampling procedures in his laboratory. It is important to know whether or not the patients' results will be affected by this change. In daily practice, there is no difference to speak of between plasma and serum for bilirubin, calcium, potassium, creatinin, urea, cholesterol, sodium, uric acid, triglycerid and iron. There are, however, differences for total proteins, phosphates and glucose.