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Question 317
Physiology → Haematology
Classification
Question
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After centrifugation of anticoagulated blood, a markedly thickened buffy coat is observed. Which condition is most consistent with this appearance?
Question Stem
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Options
A
Jaundice
B
Haemolysis
C
Hyperlipidaemia
D
Anaemia
E
Leukaemia
Explanation
Following centrifugation, the buffy coat consists of white blood cells and platelets. A thick buffy coat is associated with leukaemia.
Option Validity
A) Jaundice is associated with yellow discoloration of the plasma. It is not the condition linked to a thickened buffy coat.
B) Haemolysis produces a red appearance of the plasma. A thick buffy coat is instead associated with leukaemia.
C) High plasma lipid produces a cloudy or milky appearance. It does not produce the thick buffy coat described in the stem.
D) Anaemia is associated with a reduced proportion of erythrocytes after centrifugation. It does not explain a thick buffy coat.
Further Reading
Saxena. Textbook for MRCOG-1. Physiology - Haematology - Haematocrit Value, p.68.