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Platelet-Rich Plasma Centrifugation Changes Leukocyte Ratios
Theodore E Harrison1, Jannice Bowler2, Todd N Levins3
1Pain Management, Private Practice, Sydney, CAN.
Cureus
|May 17, 2021
Summary
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparation methods significantly alter leukocyte subtype concentrations. Centrifugation traps denser granulocytes, increasing lymphocyte percentages in PRP, which may impact clinical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Hematology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) characterization typically focuses on platelet counts.
- The concentrations of erythrocytes and leukocytes in PRP are also considered but less frequently detailed.
- Understanding leukocyte composition in PRP is crucial for its therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the quantitative changes in leukocyte subtypes within PRP.
- To compare leukocyte distributions in PRP prepared by different methods.
- To explore the potential clinical relevance of leukocyte variations in PRP.
Main Methods:
- PRP was prepared using five distinct single-spin centrifugation methods.
- Leukocyte subtype numbers (lymphocytes, granulocytes) were quantified in PRP.
- Leukocyte percentages in PRP were compared to those in whole blood.
Main Results:
- Single-spin PRP preparation significantly increased the percentage of lymphocytes compared to whole blood.
- A proportional or inverse reduction in granulocyte percentages was observed in PRP.
- These changes suggest centrifugation influences leukocyte distribution based on density.
Conclusions:
- PRP preparation methods demonstrably alter leukocyte subtype composition.
- Centrifugation likely traps denser granulocytes in the red blood cell layer.
- Variations in leukocyte distribution may influence the clinical efficacy of PRP treatments.

