Temperature-controlled PRP is a novel method for preparing and activating platelet-rich plasma (PRP) without exogenous additives.

Blood samples are processed through a two-step centrifugation at 4⁰C to obtain t-PRP and then warmed to 37⁰C for activation. This t-PRP has higher platelet concentrations than contemporary PRP, maintains stable growth factor levels, forms natural fibre scaffolding for enhanced platelet and growth factor retention, and supports wound healing.

This PRP tubes plasmolifting method offers a convenient, additive-free, and physiologically reflective approach to PRP preparation.

Let us discuss a few tips to select a platelet-rich plasma preparation system.

1.      Be on the lookout for systems with a low RBC count.

In PRP preparation, eliminating red blood cells (RBCs) is crucial as they hinder healing. Various methods, like hourglass designs and flow cytometry, have been attempted, but some systems still yield RBC-rich PRP.

This gel-barrier technique, using a gel in the collection tube, effectively separates RBCs from platelets during centrifugation, ensuring a high-quality PRP product.

2.      Consider how many neutrophils there are in relation to how many monocytes and lymphocytes there are.

An ideal PRP system minimizes pro-inflammatory neutrophils and maximizes healing-enhancing monocytes and lymphocytes for optimal results.

3.      Pass the platelet dose limit.

For effective healing, PRP must recruit progenitor cells to the target area. Platelet dose was once the primary measure of PRP effectiveness, but recent guidelines indicate that additional platelets may not provide further benefits beyond a minimum threshold of one billion platelets.

Cellular response is now considered a crucial factor in evaluating PRP efficacy.

4.      Have a high platelet yield.

Efficiency in PRP systems is gauged by the percentage of platelets from the initial blood draw that end up in the PRP sample, ranging from 13% to 79%.

Claims of yields exceeding 79% lack independent validation, and high efficiency often correlates with high-quality systems that meticulously preserve platelets, reducing the need for larger blood draws.

5.      Make sure the system is closed.

Contaminant exposure is a concern in PRP systems that lack proper containment during sample retrieval.

6.      Automated systems may not always be automatic.

The idea of a fully automated PRP system may sound appealing to beginners, but in reality, setup can be complex and time-consuming, taking over ten minutes.

7.      Follow the blood.

Efficiency in PRP systems is gauged by the percentage of platelets from the initial blood draw that end up in the PRP sample, with a range of 13% to 79%.

Claims of yields exceeding 79% lack independent validation, and high efficiency often correlates with high-quality systems that meticulously preserve platelets, reducing the need for larger blood draws.

8.      PRP systems have various spin times.

PRP spin times range from 4 to 21 minutes, some involve two spins.

9.      Make use of a vacutainer.

Phlebotomists often prefer PRP kits using vacutainers for blood collection due to convenience, as switching back to syringes is unpopular.

10.  “Apples to apples” comparison.

Consider both upfront and per-treatment costs, completeness of the kit, additional supplies needed, and physician time when comparing PRP systems. Incorporate opportunity cost by assessing treatment profitability per hour for a comprehensive evaluation.

Incorporating PRP into your practice may seem daunting initially. Nevertheless, the process becomes straightforward when you opt for a system that offers clinical efficacy, cost efficiency, and user-friendliness.