What components make up a buffy coat?

The buffy coat is a thin layer that forms when whole blood is centrifuged, separating the elements of blood based on density. The buffy coat specifically contains white blood cells (leukocytes) and platelets (thrombocytes).

When blood is spun in a centrifuge, the denser red blood cells settle at the bottom, while the plasma, which is less dense, remains at the top. The buffy coat sits between the red blood cells and the plasma, and it consists mainly of the white blood cells and platelets that are crucial for the body’s immune response and clotting processes. Understanding the composition of the buffy coat is essential for various laboratory evaluations, including hematology and immunology testing, as it provides valuable insights into a patient’s health status.