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Technical Explanation of Color Differences Between Serum Batches

Release time：

2024-09-04

  Color differences between serum batches are mainly due to trace amounts of hemoglobin in the serum, which is related to processes such as blood collection and centrifugation. As long as the hemoglobin content is within the range specified by the pharmacopoeia, such color differences do not affect serum quality or cell culture.

  Color differences in serum mainly stem from trace hemoglobin, whose content is related to the number of cells ruptured during blood collection. As long as the hemoglobin content is within the range specified by the pharmacopoeia (≤ 200 mg/L, i.e. <0.02% (w/v)), the intensity of the color does not affect serum quality or cell culture. In addition, differences exist between batches because serum comes from animals and contains around a thousand components whose levels vary with the age, physiological condition and nutritional status of the donor animals, so the percentage composition of each lot is not fixed and batch-to-batch variation exists. Such variation may affect cell morphology, adherence, vacuole formation, growth rate and proliferation capacity.

  Domestically produced serum and imported fetal bovine serum also differ in color. Domestic serum is usually waxy yellow, while the highest-quality imported serum is pale yellow or slightly reddish. This color difference reflects different hemoglobin levels but does not directly affect serum quality. In addition, precipitates in serum generally result from fibrin aggregation; although they may somewhat obstruct microscopic observation of cells, they do not directly affect serum quality.

  When selecting serum, in addition to color, other technical indicators should be considered, such as endotoxin standards, total protein content, hemoglobin standards, pH value and microbial content. These indicators help researchers better judge the quality of serum and ensure the accuracy of experimental results.

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