What tests require serum samples?

Serum samples are used for a variety of laboratory tests, particularly those that measure chemical compounds and substances in the blood. The basic metabolic panel and liver function tests are two categories of tests that rely on serum samples because they evaluate biochemical markers such as glucose, electrolytes, liver enzymes, and proteins. These tests assess organ function and overall metabolic state, and serum, which is the liquid portion of blood after coagulation, provides a clear medium for accurate measurement of these substances.

By contrast, tests like complete blood count, coagulation studies, blood typing, and glucose tolerance tests typically require whole blood or specific preparations (like plasma in the case of coagulation studies) rather than serum, as they need to include cellular components or other factors not present in serum. Crossmatching, for example, involves evaluating whole blood for compatibility in transfusions. Thus, the fundamental nature of how serum is derived makes it specifically suited for the tests mentioned in option B, as those tests focus on soluble substances found in serum.