The effect of two platelet-rich plasma aspiration techniques on plasma cellular concentrations using a double syringe gravitational centrifugation system.

OBJECTIVE

To identify which aspiration technique increased plasma platelet concentration and which technique minimized plasma leukocyte and erythrocyte concentrations using a gravitational double-syringe platelet rich plasma (PRP) system.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

ANIMALS

Thirty adult dogs.

METHODS

Whole blood was collected into two autologous conditioned plasma (ACP) syringes and an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA tube) (control samples). The ACP syringes were centrifuged for 5 min at 1500 rpm. The proximal 2 mL of plasma from one ACP syringe was deposited in an EDTA tube (preflash samples). Plasma from the second ACP syringe was withdrawn until the buffy coat was pierced, producing a "flash" of red blood cells, agitated and deposited into an EDTA tube (flash samples). Complete blood counts were performed.

RESULTS

Mean plasma platelet concentrations of the control, preflash, and flash samples were 2.4 × 10/dL, 3.3 × 10/dL and 4.1 × 10/dL, respectively. The mean platelet concentration of the flash samples was 7.9 × 10/dL higher than the preflash samples (p = .005). The mean platelet concentration was lower in the control samples than the preflash (p = .002) and flash (p < .0001) samples. The median plasma leukocyte concentration of the preflash samples (0/dL) was lower than in the flash samples (2.4 × 10/dL) (p = .001). The median plasma hematocrit value of the preflash samples (0%) was lower than in the flash samples (1.0%) (p = .002).

CONCLUSION

The flash method is not necessary to produce a PRP sample.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Both methods produced PRP. However, clinicians should avoid aspirating the buffy coat when processing PRP for therapies where leukocytes and erythrocytes are contraindicated.