Related Experiment Videos
Platelets, leucocytes and buffy layer vitamin C after surgery
Human Nutrition. Clinical Nutrition
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Postoperative buffy layer vitamin C levels are not depleted but rather an artifact of measurement. Changes in buffy layer vitamin C reflect shifts in the platelet/leucocyte ratio, not actual vitamin C demand.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hematology
- Surgical Research
Background:
- Buffy layer (BL) vitamin C concentration is often measured postoperatively.
- Previous studies suggested a potential decrease in vitamin C following surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between postoperative changes in buffy layer vitamin C concentration and alterations in leukocyte and platelet counts.
- To determine if observed changes in BL vitamin C reflect actual demand or a methodological artifact.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of buffy layer vitamin C concentration in relation to leukocyte and platelet counts.
- Calculation of the platelet/leucocyte ratio (PLR) in whole blood and buffy layer preparations.
- Comparison of BL vitamin C changes with PLR variations after surgical operations.
Main Results:
- A significant correlation was observed between the postoperative fall in BL vitamin C concentration and changes in the platelet/leucocyte ratio.
- The study identified the observed decrease in BL vitamin C as a methodological artifact, not a true depletion of vitamin C.
- Findings indicate that PLR variations directly influence measured BL vitamin C levels.
Conclusions:
- The fall in buffy layer vitamin C concentration after surgery is an artifact of the measurement method.
- Accurate interpretation of BL vitamin C analysis requires consideration of the platelet/leucocyte ratio.
- Differential leukocyte counts are recommended for reliable BL vitamin C assessment in clinical settings.