Characteristic(s) of Serum/Plasma (Mass Concentration)
This test measures specific physical or chemical properties found in your blood, such as pH, viscosity, or protein composition. It helps assess overall blood health and identify potential issues.
["Understanding your blood’s unique traits can reveal clues about your health status."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 13359-5
- Short code
- SEMCHAR
- Synonyms
- Character Smn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile wide-mouth specimen container (semen collection cup)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 20
- Ref high
- 30
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- male
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Macroscopic and microscopic physical examination
- CPT
- 89300
- SNOMED
- 167826002
- Specimen volume
- Entire ejaculate (typically 1.5-5 mL)
- Stability
- Specimen should be analyzed within 1 hour of collection. Keep at room temperature (20-37°C) during transport. Do not refrigerate.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 1–2 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
This test evaluates a broad range of characteristics, including protein concentration, electrolyte balance, and cellular components. It may also detect abnormalities in fluid composition, such as hydration levels or metabolic byproducts.
Common Uses in Diagnosis
Doctors use this test to diagnose conditions like dehydration, infections, kidney disease, or metabolic disorders. It can also help monitor chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease by tracking changes over time.
How the Test Works
Blood is drawn and analyzed to measure various physical and chemical properties. Methods may include automated analyzers, electrophoresis, or other standardized techniques to ensure accuracy.
Sample Preparation and Collection
For this test, a blood sample is typically collected from a vein in your arm. The blood is then processed to separate serum or plasma, which is sent to the lab for analysis. Avoid eating or drinking for a specified period before testing if instructed.
Reference range
Normal semen is gray-white, opaque, viscous, and coagulates immediately after ejaculation, followed by liquefaction within 20-30 minutes. Character (appearance, viscosity, liquefaction) is reported as Normal or Abnormal.N/A
Patient should abstain from ejaculation for 2-5 days prior to specimen collection. Specimen should be collected by masturbation into a sterile container. Avoid use of lubricants or condoms as they may affect specimen quality.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Serum/Plasma Characteristics
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor order this test?
What could abnormal results mean?
How soon will I get results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy