Preparation of platelet-rich plasma from small volume of whole blood - A simplified approach

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is frequently used to enhance wound healing in numerous surgical applications. There are many methods of preparation of PRP. The present report describes a laboratory technique which is rapid, simple and inexpensive for preparing PRP from small volume of whole blood. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Whole blood was drawn from 30 patients undergoing oral and maxillofacial surgery. PRP was prepared by the modified open system. Platelet counts for whole blood and PRP were determined using a cell counter. RESULTS: The data from 30 patients aged 20 to 33 years, with a mean of 24.4 (± 3.3) and male : female ratio of 1:1.1, were analysed. The platelet count in PRP was 3,157,667 ± 984,380 while that in whole blood was 268,667 (± 64,678) platelets /cubic ml, reflecting an 11-fold increase in platelet concentration. No effect of gender or ageing on platelet count was observed. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a simple, rapid and inexpensive technique that is useful in obtaining platelets concentrated approximately 11-fold.