Question

You examine a microhematocrit tube after centrifugation. The buffy coat:

1) represents the middle layer and contains packed red blood cells (RBCs).
2) contains white blood cells (WBCs) and platelets and is the middle layer between plasma and RBCs.
3) is the uppermost layer and contains plasma.
4) is in the lower portion and contains packed RBCs.

Answer 1

The buffy coat in a microhematocrit tube contains white blood cells (WBCs) and platelets. It is the middle layer between plasma and packed red blood cells (RBCs).

The buffy coat in a microhematocrit tube after centrifugation contains white blood cells (WBCs) and platelets, and is the middle layer between plasma and packed red blood cells (RBCs). This layer is composed of leukocytes and thrombocytes, and its pale, thin appearance gives it the name buffy coat. It is located above the packed RBCs and below the plasma.

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