True, plasma specimens can be remixed after centrifugation except in cases of coagulation testing, where plasma should remain undisturbed to ensure accurate results.
True or false? Some plasma specimens can be remixed after centrifugation. The statement is true. After centrifugation, the plasma layer, which is the liquid component of blood, can be resuspended if it has been separated without coagulating agents such as heparin.
This process ensures that the plasma retains its essential properties like maintaining the body's pH, osmotic load, and providing protection through coagulation factors and antibodies. Following careful centrifugation, the cell debris is pelleted at the bottom, and the supernatant containing the plasma can be transferred to a clean tube if necessary.
In some cases and for specific tests, it is essential to remix the plasma to ensure that the analytes remain evenly distributed throughout the specimen, providing accurate test results. However, if the plasma is intended for coagulation testing, it should not be remixed after centrifugation to avoid disrupting any platelet-poor plasma, which is essential for accurate coagulation studies.