Analysis of platelet rich plasma preparations by routine centrifuge versus two commercially available standardized centrifuges

Abstract

Background & Objective: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is increasingly used in regenerative medicine, orthopedics, and dermatology; however, the lack of standardization in PRP preparation leads to variability in platelet yield and composition. This study aimed to compare the quality and efficiency of PRP prepared using a routine laboratory centrifuge with two commercially available standardized centrifuge systems.

Methodology: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Orthopedics & Traumatology and the Department of Plastic surgery at Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN), Karachi, over a period of six months from August, 2025 to January 2026. Non-probability consecutive sampling was employed. Thirty-six PRP samples were prepared using routine single-spin, routine double-spin, and two commercial centrifugation methods. Platelet and leukocyte counts, hemoglobin contamination, and platelet recovery were analyzed using SPSS version 26.

Results: Commercial standardized centrifuge systems yielded significantly higher platelet concentrations (mean 835 ± 120 ×10⁹/L) compared to routine centrifuges (mean 25.5 ± 10.9 ×10⁹/L; p = 0.005). Platelet recovery and fold increase were also superior in commercial systems (mean 81.6% ± 5.94 vs. mean 10.65% ± 4.59). Leukocyte count and hemoglobin contamination were relatively lower in routine centrifuge methods compared to commercial PRP therapy. Among routine protocols, both single-spin and double-spin methods produced poor platelet counts when the entire supernatant fluid was examined as in our study.

Conclusion: Commercial standardized centrifuges produce PRP with reliable and greater platelet enrichment. Routine centrifuge, on the other hand, consistently produced poor platelet counts in the entire supernatant fluid and hence the lower one third only should be used preferably by double spin method. Different spin protocols and collection methods need to be evaluated to better document platelet enhancement in routine centrifuge use.