Comparison of platelet-rich plasma prepared using two methods: Manual double spin method versus a commercially available automated device

Background: In the absence of a standard protocol, several methods and devices have been used for preparing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with varying platelet concentrations. Methods: Venous blood sample from 20 patients was used for preparing PRP using two methods: a manual double-spin method (1st spin at 160 g x 10 min, 2nd spin at 400 g x 10 min), and using a commercially available automated device (DrPRP-Kit (R), REMI Laboratory Instruments). Platelet, erythrocyte, and total leukocyte counts were calculated for each PRP sample and compared. Results: Platelet count in the PRP prepared with the manual double-spin method (PRPm, 12.51 +/- 5.89 x 105/mu L) as well as with the automated device (PRPa, 7.25 +/- 4.74 x 105/mu L) had significantly higher mean platelet count than whole blood (2.58 +/- 0.81 x 105/mu L, P < 0.001). The mean platelet count in PRPm was statistically significantly higher than PRPa (P < 0.001). The platelet capture efficiency of the manual method (mean 47.11%, median 41.75%) was statistically significantly higher than that of the automated device (mean 31.89%, 29.51%, P = 0.012). Platelet counts in both PRPs were variable, but the counts were more dispersed in PRPa(coefficient of variation 65%) as compared to PRPm(coefficient of variation 47%). Conclusion: The manual double-spin method had a higher platelet capture efficiency resulting in a higher platelet concentration as compared to the automated device. Though there was a significant interindividual variation in the platelet yield in the PRPs produced by both methods, results were more consistent with the manual method.