What is a Buffy coat?

A buffy coat is a layer of white blood cells and platelets that forms when whole blood is centrifuged. It appears as a thin, pale yellowish layer between the plasma (top layer) and red blood cells (bottom layer) in a blood sample. The buffy coat is significant in laboratory diagnostics, as it contains the cellular components involved in immune response and clotting. It can be used for various analyses, including studying white blood cell populations and performing blood tests.