The leukocyte and platelet-enriched layer isolated by standard centrifugation of anticoagulated whole blood. A cost-effective WBC source for high-yield DNA extraction, genomics, and leukocyte-based assays.
When anticoagulated whole blood is centrifuged at low speed (400–600 × g for 10–20 minutes), it separates into three distinct layers: a bottom layer of packed red blood cells (hematocrit fraction), a thin middle layer of white blood cells and platelets called the buffy coat, and an upper plasma layer. The buffy coat accounts for roughly 1% of total blood volume but contains virtually all of the nucleated leukocytes and most of the platelets.
Unlike Ficoll-purified PBMCs, buffy coat retains granulocytes — neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils — in addition to lymphocytes and monocytes. This makes buffy coat a complete, unfractionated leukocyte preparation. It is extracted by careful aspiration of the thin white layer using a pipette or capillary collection device, typically yielding 200–500 µL of concentrated cell suspension per 10 mL of whole blood.
When you buy buffy coat specimens for research, the primary advantage is simplicity and cost: the isolation requires only a standard centrifuge, no density gradient reagents, and minimal processing time. This makes it ideal for large-scale genomic studies where DNA yield is the primary goal rather than cell viability or purity.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Typical Volume | 200–500 µL per 10 mL blood draw; volume scales with draw volume |
| Anticoagulant | K2-EDTA (standard); lithium heparin available on request |
| Processing | Centrifugation at 400–600 × g for 10–20 min; manual aspiration of buffy layer |
| Cell Composition | Leukocytes (all subtypes including granulocytes) + platelets; minimal RBC contamination |
| Storage | -80°C for DNA/RNA; -150°C for functional cell preservation |
| Turnaround | 2–5 business days from order confirmation |
| Documentation | Processing timestamps, anticoagulant type, donor WBC count, demographics, IRB consent |
Specify draw volume, anticoagulant preference, downstream application (DNA extraction, functional assays, biobanking), and donor criteria including health status and demographics.
Donors are matched and scheduled. For large cohorts, we can batch-collect multiple specimens on coordinated collection days to reduce per-specimen logistics costs.
Buffy coat is collected, aliquoted, and shipped on dry ice. Documentation includes collection parameters and chain-of-custody for regulatory traceability.
Buffy coat is the crude leukocyte and platelet layer from simple centrifugation — it retains granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils) in addition to mononuclear cells. PBMCs are a purified mononuclear fraction obtained by Ficoll density gradient that excludes granulocytes and most red cells. Buffy coat costs less and is faster to prepare; PBMCs are cleaner for functional immune assays where granulocyte contamination is a concern.
Yes — it's one of the best sources of high-molecular-weight genomic DNA. Typical yield is 20–60 µg/mL of buffy coat depending on the donor's WBC count. The high nucleated cell density makes it far more efficient than extracting from whole blood, where most volume is occupied by anucleate red cells. Suitable for GWAS, WGS, WES, and SNP genotyping.
It can, but stabilization is critical. Leukocyte gene expression changes rapidly after phlebotomy due to activation responses. For transcriptomic work, we recommend PAXgene Blood RNA tube collections where RNA is stabilized at draw. Fresh buffy coat RNA should be processed and stabilized within 2–4 hours. Contact us to discuss your RNA protocol.
Submit your protocol requirements and receive a quote within 24 hours.
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