Quantitative buffy coat analysis. A new laboratory tool functioning as a screening complete blood cell count.

We have developed a system for the quantitative analysis of the buffy coat in centrifuged whole blood samples. This analysis, performed in a modified microhematocrit tube, provides a hematocrit value, total WBC count, platelet count, and a separation of the leukocyte population into granulocytes and nongranulocytes. All results are available within 15 minutes and correlate well with existing methods. The system is expected to provide a rapid means of performing a complete blood cell count in a physician's office.