OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

What does the buffy coat represent in centrifuged blood?

1. A layer of cells demonstrated when whole anticoagulated blood is centrifuged

2. The buffering layer on a white cell

3. A layer of cells demonstrated when whole coagulated blood is centrifuged

4. The layer of buffer that appears when an SST tube is centrifuged

The correct answer is: A layer of cells demonstrated when whole anticoagulated blood is centrifuged

The buffy coat represents a layer of white blood cells and platelets that separates from plasma when whole anticoagulated blood is centrifuged. This layer is found between the clear plasma on top and the red blood cells at the bottom. The buffy coat is significant in clinical diagnostics because it contains the white blood cells, which play a vital role in the immune response, and platelets, essential for blood clotting. In the context of the other options, while some refer to cellular components or specific setups, they do not accurately describe the formation of the buffy coat after centrifugation of anticoagulated blood. The description of the buffering aspect, coagulated blood, or SST tubes does not capture the essence of what the buffy coat is or how it is formed. Your answer accurately reflects the correct identity and formation of the buffy coat in the centrifugation process of blood.