Abstract

Many systems for preparation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are commercially available, but comparative study among these systems is rare and only small sample size studies have been conducted. The purpose of this study was to characterize the platelet, white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC) concentrations, and CD 34 counts in the PRP produced by six commercially available PRP separation systems, using a single donor model. Twenty-four healthy humans who were not taking medication consented to donate 180 mL of blood. Whole blood samples were collected with appropriate ratio of anticoagulant, and each sample was simultaneously processed by PRP separation systems according to the manufacturer's protocol. Total of 144 samples were collected and analysed. After we obtained quantification of Platelet, WBC, RBC and CD34+ cell enumeration, the difference in mean platelet, WBC, RBC concentration and CD 34 counts among PRP separation systems was analysed. The GPS III (6.5±0.9) produced PRP with highest mean platelet concentration, whereas the Conditioned Plasma (2.0±0.7) and Tubex (2.2±1.0) produced PRP with lowest mean platelet concentration. The GPS III (4.7±0.8) produced PRP with highest mean WBC concentration, whereas the Conditioned Plasma (0.2±0.3) produced PRP with lowest mean WBC concentration. The Conditioned Plasma produced PRP with lowest mean RBC concentration (0.1±0.1). Regarding the collection efficiency of platelet, the Addcell (71.1±28.4) and GPS III (72.2±9.6) produced the highest PRP concentration, whereas the Tubex (26.2±12.0) produced with the lowest PRP concentration. Mean CD 34+ cell count did not differ among six different PRP separation systems. As lots of clinical researches using PRP used different separation systems, with little or no characterization of components of the PRP, this study will provide fundamental data to interpret lots of clinical researches conducted so far. This study will provide an accurate context for physician to interpret the results and thereby make informed decisions about how to use the various PRP separation systems to provide effective PRP treatment in clinical situations.