A Cost-Effective Method for Obtaining Standard Platelet-Rich Plasma

Introduction. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is used in several different areas of surgery to enhance natural healing and the regenerative process by delivering increased concentrations of autologous platelets. However, there are controversies in the literature regarding the potential benefits of PRP, due partly to the lack of optimized and standardized preparation protocols. The aim of this study was to develop a standardized PRP preparation protocol. Material and Methods. Whole blood was drawn from 18 healthy participants. Double centrifugation protocol was applied. The blood from each person was divided into 6 tubes according to second stage centrifugation force applied, varying from 300 g to 2000 g. Platelet counts and platelet concentration factors were determined and the data obtained were submitted to statistical analysis (repeated measures ANOVA, Bonferroni, P < 0.05). Results. When compared to whole blood, the mean platelet counts increased significantly in all centrifugation groups, and this increase is common with centrifugation force increase. While there was no significant difference between the 300 g and 500 g groups (P = 0.051), there were differences between the 500 g and 750 g groups (P < 0.001), and the 750 g and 1000 g groups (P < 0.001). The mean platelet counts were not different between upper g groups (1000g, 1500g, 2000g, P = 0.114). The platelet concentration factor varied from 1.92-fold to 3.76-fold. There were differences between the 500 g and 750 g groups (P < 0.001), and between the 750 g and 1000 g groups (P < 0.001). Conclusion. The present study indicates it may be possible to get a standard platelet concentration by adjusting centrifugation force individually according to each baseline value.