Relevant Aspects of Centrifugation Step in the Preparation of Platelet-Rich Plasma

Figure 1

Flow chart describing the general preparation process of PRP. WB is initially collected in tubes that contain anticoagulants. The first spin step is performed at constant acceleration to separate RBCs from the remaining WB volume. After the first spin step, the WB separates into three layers: an upper layer that contains mostly platelets and WBC, an intermediate layer that is known as the buffy coat and that is rich in WBCs, and a bottom layer that consists mostly of RBCs. Only the upper layer or the upper layer plus buffy coat is transferred to an empty tube. The second spin step is then performed. The upper portion of the volume that is composed mostly of PPP (platelet-poor plasma) is removed to create the PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma). The concentrations of platelets and WBC in each of the various layers are measured to characterize the quality of PRP.