Platelets, leucocytes and buffy layer vitamin C after surgery

The changes in buffy layer (BL) vitamin C concentration following surgical operations were studied in relation to changes in the leucocyte and platelet counts. It was found that the postoperative fall and subsequent changes in BL vitamin C concentration corresponded to changes in the platelet/leucocyte ratio (PLR) in whole blood and consequently in the buffy layer preparations from which vitamin C concentrations were measured. The results of the study showed that the fall in BL vitamin C measured following operations is an artifact of the method used rather than a demand for vitamin C. It highlights the importance of measuring the PLR, and suggests the need for a differential leucocyte count, when undertaking BL vitamin C analysis.