title: Comparison of point-of-care methods for preparation of platelet concentrate (platelet-rich plasma).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study analyzed the concentrations of platelets and growth factors in platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which are likely to depend on the method used for its production.
  
  
  METHODS
  The cellular composition and growth factor content of platelet concentrates (platelet-rich plasma) produced by six different procedures were quantitatively analyzed and compared. Platelet and leukocyte counts were determined on an automatic cell counter, and analysis of growth factors was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The principal differences between the analyzed PRP production methods (blood bank method of intermittent flow centrifuge system/platelet apheresis and by the five point-of-care methods) and the resulting platelet concentrates were evaluated with regard to resulting platelet, leukocyte, and growth factor levels. The platelet counts in both whole blood and PRP were generally higher in women than in men; no differences were observed with regard to age. Statistical analysis of platelet-derived growth factor AB (PDGF-AB) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) showed no differences with regard to age or gender. Platelet counts and TGF-β1 concentration correlated closely, as did platelet counts and PDGF-AB levels. There were only rare correlations between leukocyte counts and PDGF-AB levels, but comparison of leukocyte counts and PDGF-AB levels demonstrated certain parallel tendencies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  TGF-β1 levels derive in substantial part from platelets and emphasize the role of leukocytes, in addition to that of platelets, as a source of growth factors in PRP. All methods of producing PRP showed high variability in platelet counts and growth factor levels. The highest growth factor levels were found in the PRP prepared using the Platelet Concentrate Collection System manufactured by Biomet 3i.
authors: Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany. weibrich@mkg.klinik.uni-mainz.de
authors: Gernot
authors: G
authors: Weibrich
authors: Wilfried K G
authors: WK
authors: Kleis
authors: Philipp
authors: P
authors: Streckbein
authors: Maximilian
authors: M
authors: Moergel
authors: Walter E
authors: WE
authors: Hitzler
authors: Gerd
authors: G
authors: Hafner
mesh_terms: D001771:Blood Banks; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000737:chemistry; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000737:chemistry; D008297:Male; D010976:Platelet Count; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000032:analysis*; D053657:Platelet-Rich Plasma / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000166:cytology*; D010983:Plateletpheresis / Q000379:methods; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems; D012737:Sex Factors; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000032:analysis; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1; C095477:platelet-derived growth factor AB