What is the purpose of centrifugation in phlebotomy?

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Centrifugation in phlebotomy serves to separate plasma or serum from the formed elements of blood. By spinning the sample, the heavier cells—red cells, white cells, and platelets—settle to the bottom, while the liquid portion remains on top. If an anticoagulant is present, the top layer is plasma; if no anticoagulant is used and the blood is allowed to clot, the liquid atop is serum. This separation provides a clear specimen for most tests and prevents cellular components from interfering with chemical and diagnostic analyses. It’s not used to calibrate the instrument, mix the sample, or change the sample’s viscosity.