Analyses of serum samples for the presence and amount of either of the two subunits of human Factor XIII protein are used as a means of eliminating a significant source of error that arises in the testing of serum and plasma. For serum samples, a negative result of an analysis for the presence of subunit a is a means of verifying that a sample is indeed serum, while a negative or positive result for subunit a serves to distinguish serum (negative) from plasma (positive). A positive result for the presence of subunit b is a means of verifying that the sample is either serum or plasma and not any other biological fluid. A quantitative analysis of subunit b is a means of verifying that the sample is of the intended volume rather than having been reduced in volume due to improper sampling. A quantitative analysis of subunit b is also a means of verifying the dilution of a sample of either serum or plasma.