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Correct Answer: 1 hour.
centrifugation is a pivotal method in laboratory settings for the separation of blood into its various components, notably plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. this process involves the rapid spinning of blood samples in a centrifuge. the force generated by this spinning causes the denser components of the blood, such as red blood cells, to move outward to the bottom of the tube, while lighter components, like plasma, remain at the top.
for anticoagulated blood intended for plasma extraction, timing is crucial. anticoagulants are added to the blood sample to prevent clotting, which would otherwise interfere with the separation and analysis of the different components. upon collection, it is imperative that the blood is centrifuged within a specific timeframe to ensure the quality and reliability of the plasma. this timeframe is typically within one hour of collection.
the reason for this one-hour window is related to the stability of certain plasma constituents. delaying centrifugation beyond this period can lead to the degradation of these components, which can affect diagnostic tests and the accuracy of the results. for example, certain enzymes and hormones in the plasma may degrade or certain cellular components may release substances into the plasma if not promptly separated.
thus, to maintain the integrity of the plasma and ensure that it accurately reflects the patient's physiological state at the time of collection, centrifugation within one hour is recommended. this practice helps in achieving reliable test results, which are crucial for diagnosing conditions, monitoring health status, and guiding treatment decisions effectively.
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