A serum marker, also known as a biomarker or a serum biomarker, refers to a specific substance or molecule that can be measured in the blood serum, a component of blood, and is used to indicate the presence, severity, or progression of a disease or medical condition. It is commonly used in medical research, clinical trials, and diagnostic testing.
Serum markers are typically proteins, enzymes, hormones, antibodies, or genetic material that are released into the bloodstream by cells or tissues in response to certain physiological or pathological processes. The levels or presence of these markers in the serum can provide valuable information to healthcare professionals about the status of the disease, as well as its prognosis and response to treatment. They can also be helpful in screening, early detection, and monitoring disease progression.
The analysis of serum markers involves collecting a blood sample from an individual and separating the serum from the other components of blood. This serum is then tested using specialized laboratory techniques, such as immunoassays, molecular assays, or mass spectrometry, to quantitatively or qualitatively measure the specific biomarker.
Serum markers have been identified for various conditions, including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and neurological disorders, among others. They play a crucial role in medical diagnosis, monitoring treatment effectiveness, predicting outcomes, and guiding clinical decision-making. However, it is important to note that the interpretation of serum marker results should always be done in conjunction with other clinical parameters and findings, as they are not always specific or diagnostic of a particular disease on their own.
