Which type of blood sample is appropriate for a chemistry panel?

The appropriate type of blood sample for a chemistry panel is plasma or whole blood. Chemistry panels measure various substances in the blood, including electrolytes, proteins, enzymes, and hormones.

Using plasma, which is the liquid component of blood after removing cells but retaining clotting factors, allows for accurate measurement of these substances because it contains all the soluble components of blood without the interference from cellular components. Whole blood can also be used for certain chemistry tests as it contains both the liquid and cellular components. This can be beneficial for specific analyses, but plasma is often preferred as it can provide clearer results without the interference of formed elements.

Serum, while useful for many tests, is typically used after a blood clot has formed and the cells have been removed. In certain chemistry tests, serum can show different concentrations of components compared to plasma since some substances may be consumed or change during the clotting process.

While platelet poor plasma refers to plasma where platelets are removed to reduce interference, the inclusion of both plasma and whole blood as correct answers highlights the flexibility in sample choice depending on the specific tests ordered. Thus, both plasma and whole blood can provide the necessary components required for a comprehensive chemistry evaluation.