Is it possible to obtain leukocyte-rich Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) using the Emcyte system?

From the Guidelines

Yes, it is possible to obtain leukocyte-rich PRP using the Emcyte system. The Emcyte Pure PRP system is specifically designed to produce both leukocyte-rich and leukocyte-poor PRP preparations depending on the protocol used. For leukocyte-rich PRP, the system utilizes a double-spin centrifugation technique where the first spin separates red blood cells from the plasma containing platelets and white blood cells, and the second spin concentrates these components. The Emcyte system typically yields PRP with platelet concentrations 4-7 times above baseline and preserves the white blood cell content when the L-PRP protocol is followed, as suggested by the principles outlined in 1.

Key Considerations

• The process involves collecting whole blood in the specialized Emcyte tubes containing anticoagulant, centrifuging at specific speeds and durations according to the manufacturer's L-PRP protocol, and then extracting the appropriate layer.
• The system's design allows for consistent results with minimal technical variability, which is crucial for clinical applications where standardization is key, as emphasized in 1.
• Leukocyte-rich PRP is often preferred for certain applications where the inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of white blood cells may be beneficial, though the optimal PRP composition remains debated depending on the specific clinical application.

Classification and Preparation

The classification system proposed in 1 highlights the importance of defining the characteristics of PRP preparations, including the presence of leukocytes, red blood cells, activation method, and platelet concentration. For L-PRP, the Emcyte system can be used to prepare a product that fits within the proposed classification system, offering a standardized approach to PRP preparation.

Clinical Implications

Given the potential benefits of leukocyte-rich PRP in certain clinical applications, the ability to obtain such preparations using the Emcyte system is significant. It allows clinicians to tailor their treatment approach based on the specific needs of the patient, taking into account the potential advantages of including leukocytes in the PRP preparation, as discussed in 1.

From the Research

Leukocyte Rich PRP using the Emcyte System

• The Emcyte system is a commercially available platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparation kit that can be used to obtain leukocyte-rich PRP 2.
• A retrospective analysis of the EmCyte PurePRP II 60-mL preparation kit found that it can return PRP content that meets the manufacturer's expectations when used during routine clinical care for a heterogeneous patient population 2.
• The study evaluated two protocols: Protocol A (exclusion of granulocytes and low hematocrit) and Protocol B (inclusion of granulocytes and higher hematocrit), and found that both protocols met or exceeded the manufacturer's expectations of platelet enrichment and granulocyte inclusion or exclusion 2.
• The modification of yield volume from 7 to 4 mL led to a significant difference in platelet enrichment without affecting absolute cell counts, suggesting that the Emcyte system can be used to obtain leukocyte-rich PRP with varying yield volumes 2.

Comparison with Other Studies

• Other studies have shown that leukocyte-rich PRP (L-PRP) is more beneficial in tendinopathies, while pure PRP (P-PRP) is more beneficial in cartilage pathology 3.
• However, different PRP preparations have not been directly compared in any pathology, and standardization of PRP research parameters is needed to streamline findings and generate clear indications for PRP types to yield maximum clinical benefit 3.
• The effectiveness and safety of PRP has been demonstrated in many medical scenarios, but there is limited availability of large randomized clinical trials 4.

Key Findings

• The Emcyte system can be used to obtain leukocyte-rich PRP with varying yield volumes 2.
• Leukocyte-rich PRP may be more beneficial in tendinopathies, while pure PRP may be more beneficial in cartilage pathology 3.
• Standardization of PRP research parameters is needed to streamline findings and generate clear indications for PRP types to yield maximum clinical benefit 3.