Serum is obtained by allowing whole blood to clot prior to centrifugation, which removes clotting factors and cellular debris. Unlike plasma, which is collected from anticoagulated blood, serum reflects lipid alterations associated with clotting, making it particularly informative for studying platelet-derived lipid mediators and coagulation-related pathways.

Serum lipidomics captures a range of lipid classes, including phospholipids, neutral lipids, sphingolipids, lysophospholipids, ether-linked lipids, and cholesterol. Platelet activation during clotting can modify the levels of specific lipid mediators, giving serum a distinct profile compared to plasma.

Lipotype lipidomics profiles hundreds of lipid species in serum, providing high-resolution and quantitative data for detailed analysis. This approach detects subtle shifts in lipid composition and supports studies of inflammation, coagulation, and cardiometabolic disorders by linking these changes to biological pathways.

Serum lipidomics offers a reliable approach for studying lipid metabolism. In many studies, serum is the only available sample type, and it provides high-quality lipid data that can be used for biomarker discovery, translational research, and clinical applications. Because of its reproducibility and wide applicability, serum remains a practical and informative sample type for exploring lipid biology in different research and clinical settings.