What is a serum that neutralizes venom from an animal or insect called?

Study for the AAOS Emergency Care and Transport of the Sick and Injured Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for success!

A serum that neutralizes venom from an animal or insect is referred to as antivenin. This substance specifically targets and neutralizes the toxic effects of venom, which can be critical in cases of snake bites, insect stings, or other envenomations. Antivenin is derived from the blood of animals that have been immunized against a particular venom and can reverse the effects of the venom once it has entered the body.

In contrast, an antidote generally refers to a substance that counteracts the effects of a specific poison or toxin, but it is not limited to venom and does not specifically neutralize venom. Anticoagulants are medications that prevent blood clotting and are not related to venom. Antibiotics are drugs used to treat bacterial infections and do not have any effect on venom or its associated effects. Thus, antivenin is the precise term used for a serum that specifically addresses venomous bites or stings.

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