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

INTRODUCTION: In 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. AIM: The 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 METHODS: Thirty 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 (4x8 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. RESULTS: Protocol 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. CONCLUSION: The use of separating gels into various techniques for obtaining PRP facilitates blood cell aspiration and makes the procedure faster and safer in ambulatory practice.