The comparison between different systems to prepare platelet rich plasma using equine blood

Abstract

Reasons for performing study: To compare different platelet rich plasma production systems with regard to the composition of the end-product. Hypothesis: There are differences in resulting platelet and leukocyte concentrations and other characteristics using different techniques. Material/methods: blood from six horses was used to produce PRP with five different techniques. The end-products were analyzed for hematologic parameters, such as platelet and leukocyte concentrations, and growth factor levels, namely PDGF-BB and TGF-ß1. Results: All systems showed an increase in platelets and growth factors compared to the baseline, but the differences between the systems were significant. Platelets increased in a range from 1.33 to 6.72 times compared to whole blood, PDGF-BB had a mean baseline of 0.44 ng/mL in plasma and showed mean concentrations ranged from 0.85 to 5.27 ng/mL and mean TGF-ß1 concentration increased in a range from 0.6 to 1.70 ng/mL in comparison with a mean baseline of 0.30 ng/mL. Leucocyte concentrations varied a lot between the systems, with a decrease in one system and a mean increase ranging from 1.46 to 7.58 times the baseline in the other systems. Conclusions and potential relevance: This study revealed some interesting differences in hematologic parameters between different systems to prepare PRP. It also showed that there a great differences in growth factor concentrations between the systems. Leukocytes and its contribution to or negative effects on the healing process remain unclear. The findings of this study show the characteristics of PRP using several techniques that are commercially available. The differences between the systems will give practitioners an insight in the system they prefer.