What do GFC (Growth Factor Concentrate) tubes contain for hair growth?

What GFC (Growth Factor Concentrate) Tubes Contain for Hair Growth

GFC tubes contain a highly concentrated autologous platelet preparation derived from the patient's own blood, processed to isolate and concentrate growth factors, platelets, and plasma proteins without anticoagulants or additives. 1

Composition and Processing

GFC represents a specific type of autologous platelet concentrate (APC) that differs from traditional PRP in its preparation method and final composition:

• GFC tubes are anticoagulant-free collection systems that process whole blood to create a concentrated growth factor preparation 1
• The tubes typically contain 9-10 mL of the patient's peripheral blood without any additional substances or anticoagulants 2
• Processing involves centrifugation (typically 700-2000 RCF for 8 minutes) to separate blood components into distinct layers 2

Active Components in GFC

The final GFC preparation contains several key biological elements:

Growth Factors

• Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) - stimulates dermal papilla cell proliferation 3, 4
• Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) - promotes matrix remodeling 2, 5
• Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) - enhances neovascularization around follicles 4, 5
• Epidermal growth factor (EGF) - stimulates epithelial cell proliferation 5
• Fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) - supports tissue regeneration 5

Cellular Components

• Concentrated platelets (typically 1 to 1.5 million platelets per microliter) 2
• Plasma proteins including fibrin that act as a scaffold for sustained growth factor release 2
• Buffy coat layer containing additional regenerative cells 2

Key Differences from PRP

GFC demonstrates faster clinical improvement compared to PRP, with significant hair count increases after just the second treatment session 1:

• GFC shows superior outcomes in total hair count, shaft diameter, and patient satisfaction scores in the short term (3-6 months) 1
• GFC contains a longer, sustained release of growth factors compared to PRP due to its fibrin scaffold structure 2
• GFC preparation is simpler and faster than traditional double-spin PRP methods 4

However, PRP demonstrates more sustained long-term benefits at 6 months, with better hair diameter and aesthetic improvement scores 1

Clinical Implications

Efficacy Considerations

• Higher platelet concentrations correlate with greater hair density, follicle diameter, and terminal hair density improvements 2
• There is significant heterogeneity in growth factor secretion between individual patients, which may explain variable clinical responses 5
• GFC combined with microneedling enhances delivery and stimulates additional collagen production 4

Common Pitfalls

• Low platelet concentration, inadequate injection volume, or insufficient treatment frequency can lead to treatment failure 2
• Individual genetic factors significantly influence response to any platelet concentrate therapy 2
• The balance between growth-promoting and growth-inhibiting factors within the concentrate may be crucial for optimal outcomes 5

Optimal Treatment Protocol

According to the Indian Association of Dermatologists recommendations 2:

• 3-5 treatment sessions spaced 1 month apart during the treatment phase
• 5-7 mL of concentrate per session, using 0.05 to 0.1 mL/cm² 2
• Maintenance phase of 1 session every 6 months after initial treatment series 2
• Combination with topical 5% minoxidil shows the highest efficacy for androgenetic alopecia 2, 3