bild

Blood analysis. Male researcher placing blood serum into a multi-well sample tray using a multi- pipette. He is working in a glove box (safety cabinet) to protect him from the pathogenic micro- organisms that could be present in the serum. Serum is the watery component that remains after the blood cells and the substances involved in the coagulation process have been removed from blood. It can be tested for antibodies to disease-causing organisms. The cabinet is under negative pressure, constantly extracting and filtering the possibly contaminated air within it. This containment laboratory is part of the Public Health Laboratory Service, UK. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/GEOFF TOMPKINSON)