Characteristics of autologous platelet rich plasma concentrates obtained by the buffy coat technique using different protocols

IntroductionIn the last decade, platelet-rich concentrates, including the so-called platelet-rich plasma (PRP), have been gaining extreme popularity and are widely used in variety of clinical fields of medicine—dermatology, orthopedics, traumatology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, maxillofacial surgery, and others.AimThe aim of the article was to analyze the quantitative characteristics of the blood components in autologous platelet-rich plasma concentrates obtained by the buffy coat technique using different protocols.Materials and MethodsThirty participants (avg. age 42.8) were included in the present study. Venous blood (35 mL) was drawn from each participant—3 mL were separated for control group to determine average blood cell level. Four protocols for PRP obtaining (4 x 8 mL) were performed by using vacutainer tube with separating gel and monovette (S-Monovette) without a separating gel. The concentration factor (%) for each protocol was calculated relative to the average baseline blood values of the control group.ResultsProtocol I showed increase in platelet concentrations by 91.55% and the leukocyte level was 107% higher compared to the control group. The second protocol (separating gel) demonstrated increase in platelet count by 337.06% and in leukocytes by 82.37%. The third protocol, based on double centrifugation, showed 352.08% increase in platelets and 40.54% decrease in white blood cell compared to controls. The fourth protocol demonstrated 389.84% increase in platelet level and 74.36% decrease in leukocyte number.ConclusionThe use of separating gels into various techniques for obtaining PRP facilitates blood cell aspiration and makes the procedure faster and safer in ambulatory practice