Place the three components of blood that separate from each other when a blood sample is centrifuged from most superior to inferior. Rank the options below. plasma formed elements buffy coat

When you centrifuge a blood sample, the heaviest components settle at the bottom while the lighter ones rise to the top. So, starting from the most superior, you'll find plasma at the very top, floating like a beautiful golden layer. Just beneath it lies the buffy coat, a thin layer that contains white blood cells and platelets—a true defense squad! Finally, at the bottom, we have the formed elements, which includes red blood cells, the hardworking carriers of oxygen. This process is like a natural sorting mechanism, ensuring that each component is ready to do its job efficiently. In clinical labs, understanding this separation is vital for everything from diagnosing diseases to monitoring overall health, making it a crucial step in hematology.