From the Guidelines
To prepare PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) using vacutainers, the most recent and highest quality study recommends a one-step centrifugation for 15 min at 150 g. This method is supported by the study published in 2021 1, which provides guidance on the measurement of thrombin generation and recommends a one-step centrifugation for PRP preparation.
The preparation method involves:
- Drawing blood using citrate-containing vacutainers (blue top tubes)
- Centrifuging the tubes at 150 g for 15 minutes
- Extracting the plasma layer, avoiding the buffy coat and red blood cells
- Using sterile technique throughout the process
Typically, 20-60 mL of whole blood is required to produce 2-6 mL of PRP. The one-step centrifugation method concentrates platelets and is recommended for clinical use. PRP should be used within 2 h from preparation or within 6 h when CTI is present, as recommended by the study 1.
It is essential to note that the use of EDTA anticoagulant should be avoided for PRP preparation, as it causes platelet swelling and activation, as mentioned in the study 1. The centrifugation protocol and collection methods utilized can affect platelet concentration, yield, and recovery, as stated in the study 1.
Therefore, the recommended preparation method for PRP using vacutainers is a one-step centrifugation for 15 min at 150 g, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1.
From the Research
Preparation Method for Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
The preparation method for Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) using Vacutainer (vacuum-sealed tubes) involves several steps:
- Collection of whole blood into Vacutainer tubes containing an anticoagulant such as sodium citrate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), or anticoagulant citrate dextrose (ACD) solution A 2
- Centrifugation of the blood samples at different forces and times to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the other blood components 3
- The use of different centrifugation forces and times can produce biologically reactive PRP, with high acceleration forces requiring low durations and low acceleration forces requiring long times of centrifugation 3
Factors Affecting PRP Preparation
Several factors can affect the preparation of PRP, including:
- The type of anticoagulant used, with sodium citrate resulting in higher platelet recovery and minimal change in mesenchymal stromal cell gene expression 2
- The centrifugation force and time, with different combinations producing varying platelet concentrations and volumes 3
- The temperature of the final centrifugation step, with room temperature (25°C) resulting in non-inferiority of platelet-growth-factor levels compared to lower temperatures (4°C) 4
Comparison of PRP Preparation Techniques
Different techniques for preparing PRP have been compared, including:
- The University Hospital of Liège technique, Curasan PRP Kit, Plateltex, GPS II, and RegenLab, with varying platelet concentrations and volumes obtained 5
- The Plateltex technique resulting in the highest concentration of platelets in the smallest volume available, while the RegenLab technique had the best collect efficiency 5