What do red blood cells floating freely in plasma indicate?

Red blood cells floating freely in plasma typically indicate a poor collection technique. When a blood sample is drawn, it should be collected and processed properly to avoid the disruption of red blood cells. If red blood cells are found floating freely rather than settling or being suspended normally within the plasma, it suggests that the sample may have been subjected to rough handling, such as vigorous mixing or shaking, or that there may have been issues in the collection process itself, like using an inappropriate tube or not allowing the blood to clot properly (in the case of serum).

In contrast, a good collection technique should ensure that red blood cells remain properly suspended within plasma or are adequately separated upon centrifugation. Thus, the presence of freely floating red blood cells would signal a need for reviewing the techniques used in the collection and handling of the blood sample.