Quantitative Buffy Coat Analysis-An Effective Tool for Diagnosing Blood Parasites

• Main Authors: Nishat Hussain Ahmed, Jyotish Chandra Samantaray
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited 2014-04-01
• Series: Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research
• Subjects: quantitative buffy coat; malarial parasite; filariasis; visceral leishmaniasis
• Online Access: https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/4258/7559_CE(Ra)_E(C)_F(H)_PF1(PAK)_PFA(P)_PF2(PN).pdf

Quantitative buffy coat (QBC) analysis, which is based on principle of centrifugal stratification of blood components, is a well-known and a very sensitive technique which can be used for the detection of malarial parasites in peripheral blood. In our experience, this technique is also highly specific for doing speciation of malarial parasite in Indian set up. In addition, this technique was also found to be a sensitive and specific tool for diagnosing filariasis. Lastly, the cellular pattern of buffy coat in QBC, together with other non-specific findings, has many times aided in making correct diagnoses in difficult cases of visceral Leishmaniasis.