 |
| This drawing represents a tube of blood before (left) and after (right) centrifugation. Centrifugation separates out the formed elements of the blood. Red cells (erythrocytes) are heaviest and settle to the bottom. They represent about 45 per cent of the total blood volume. White blood cells (leukocytes) and platelets (thrombocytes) make up the thin whitish-gray layer (buffy coat) on top of the red cells. The plasma (clear yellow liquid portion of the blood) represents about 55 percent of the total blood volume. |
