What is the liquid called that rises to the top of a tube of sediment after centrifugation?

The liquid that rises to the top of a tube of sediment after centrifugation is referred to as the supernatant. During centrifugation, a sample is spun at high speeds, which causes denser materials, such as cells or debris, to settle at the bottom of the tube, forming a sediment. The lighter liquid above this sediment is the supernatant, which contains the soluble components of the original mixture.

Understanding this process is essential in various veterinary and laboratory contexts, as the supernatant may contain important biomolecules, such as proteins, enzymes, or other soluble substances that can be further analyzed. This distinction between the supernatant and the sediment is crucial for accurate laboratory analysis and diagnosis.