Platelet Content and Growth Factor Release in Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Comparison of Four Different Systems

Different systems for preparation of platelet-rich plasma are commercially available, but data for comparison of these systems have not been published so far. We investigated the performance of Vivostat PRF Preparation Kit(R), PCCS Platelet Concentrate Collection System(R), Harvest(R) SmartPReP 2 APC 60 Process, and Fibrinet(R) Autologous Fibrin & Platelet System.

The preparations provided by these systems are platelet concentrates with high numbers of platelets in a small volume of plasma and PDGF-AB is released continuously during the 5 days after preparation. Vivostat PRF Preparation Kit, PCCS Platelet Concentrate Collection System, Harvest SmartPReP 2 APC 60 Process are comparable in platelet yield and total amount of released PDGF-AB after 120 h while with Fibrinet the lowest platelet yield and PDGF-AB content of supernatant was achieved. The ability of growth factor release was equal in all four systems.

In conclusion, all four systems for preparation of platelet-rich plasma investigated result in considerable growth factor release. In what extent the total content of PDGF-AB as a consequence of platelet yield has an impact on wound healing has to be further investigated.