The Cheapest and Easiest Way to Make Platelet-rich Plasma Preparation

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been advocated as a way to introduce increased concentrations of growth factors and other bioactive molecules to injured tissues in an attempt to optimize the local healing environment. Many methods for PRP preparation have been introduced. Despite variations in the volume of whole blood taken and the efficacy of the platelet concentration, the main objective of PRP preparation is to obtain sufficient platelet concentration in the finally processed autologous plasma. We have been making our own internal primitive PRP preparation, which is safe and aseptic, using simple tubes and a centrifugal separator at the outpatient department base. METHODS: Twenty cc of whole blood was collected and 10 cc of blood was added to each of two bottles, followed by addition of 1.5 cc adenosine-citrate-dextrose-acid solution to each bottle. Then, centrifugal separation was performed at 4,000 RPM for 15 minutes. Then, the buffy coat layer was aspirated using a 10 cc syringe equipped with a spinal needle. Platelet activation was initiated by addition of CaCl2 and botropase. RESULTS: We were successful in attaining PRP, which was three folds and six folds concentrated compared with the initial platelet count of whole blood. CONCLUSIONS: Our protocol is economical and only requires a few simple procedures for preparation of PRP. We expect the protocol to be applied to clinical trials without significant cost of time and money.