An important and overlooked parameter in platelet rich plasma preparation: The mean platelet volume.

Background: The platelets are the most heterogeneous cellular elements of the blood in size whereas larger platelets have more granules that make them more reactive rather than their smaller counterparts.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to report the distribution of platelets in the plasma after centrifugation steps.

Methods: Twelve healthy male subjects were enrolled.5.4 mL of whole blood samples were collected for each tube containing 0.6 mL of acid citrate dextrose. Four samples were centrifuged at the force of 180 × g for 15 minutes. Then, 0.6 mL buffy coat was drawn from one of the four centrifuged tubes and 1/3 of the lower layer of the plasma (1.0 mL) from the second centrifuged tube; 1/3 of the middle(1.0 mL) and 1/3 of the upper layer (1.0 mL) of the plasma from third and fourth ones were drawn for blood analysis.

Results: Blood analysis including MPV and platelet concentrations were significantly different between the layers (P < .05). Together buffy coat and lower third of plasma layers contain 87% of the entire platelet mass.

Conclusions: Platelets should not be argued only with their concentration, but it would be appropriate to evaluate with their yielded concentration and volume with MPV together while comparing PRP preparation protocols and kits.