Standardization and Validation of a High Yield Conventional Platelet-rich Plasma Preparation Protocol

Abstract

Introduction: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been demonstrated to benefit a variety of disciplines for diseases of inflammatory or degenerative origin. But there exists heterogeneity in the results obtained due to the lack of standardization of the preparation protocols employed in them. This study aims to identify and standardize a preparation protocol for PRP with maximum recovery of platelets to obtain reproducible results across studies. Materials & Methods: Blood samples were collected from 40 healthy volunteers who signed informed consent for participation in the study. The double spin protocol of PRP preparation was analyzed for variables such as centrifugal acceleration, time, and volume of blood processed and final product utilized. The final PRP prepared was investigated for platelet recovery, concentration, integrity, and viability. Each protocol investigated was run twice in all the samples to avoid reporting and sampling bias. Results: We noted maximum platelet recovery (86-99%) with a consistent 6.4±0.8 times baseline concentration of platelets with double centrifugation cycles at 100 and 1600g for 15 and 20 minutes respectively. We also noted that 10 ml of the volume of blood in a 15 ml tube was the ideal volume of blood to be processed to maximize platelet recovery. We noted the upper 2/3rd of the final product was free of platelets thereby making the lower 1/3rd the ideal volume to be utilized. We did not note a loss of integrity or viability of the platelets in the final product from the above-said protocol. Conclusion: Preparation of PRP by the double spin protocol of 10 ml of blood at 100g and 1600g for 15 and 20 minutes respectively in a 15ml tube and using the lower 1/3rd of the final product demonstrated consistent high platelet recovery (86-99%) and concentration (6x) without disturbing the platelet integrity or viability.