A Comparison of the Dimensional Characteristics and Plasma Parameters of Different Centrifuges Used for the Preparation of Autologous Platelet Concentrates: A Randomized Correlational Study.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate autologous platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane weights and measurements after production by different centrifuges. Moreover, the values obtained with blood cellular components were correlated.

Methods: Twelve systemically healthy participants underwent dental implant surgery associated with PRF membranes as the graft biomaterial at the implant site. Prior to the surgical procedure, the chosen participants underwent blood count and coagulogram tests and presented on the surgical day. Nine tubes containing 10 mL of venous blood were collected from each individual. The tubes were randomly distributed and positioned in three different centrifuges: (C1) the Intra-lock L-PRF Process, (C2) the Kasvi Digital, and (C3) the PRF Montserrat. PRF membrane processing was carried out as described by each manufacturer. After the processing steps, the prepared wet PRFs (initial) were placed in the container (box) designated by the manufacturer for the obtention of PRF membranes. The weights and measurements of the "wet" PRFs (initial) and membranes (final) were obtained using a precision scale and digital caliper in an aseptic environment. The data were compared, and the statistical differences were analyzed using the Friedman test and the Dunn post hoc test; Pearson correlation tests were performed between macroscopic data and data from serum tests; statistical significance was set at 5% ( < 0.05).

Results: 108 blood collection tubes were collected. The average harvest time for each tube individually was 21.5 ± 9.9 s. The average time for blood collection (nine tubes) from each of the 12 individuals was 193.1 ± 72.4 s ( = 0.728). The average values were very similar between the centrifuges, both for the measurements and weights of the "plugs" as well as for the linear measurements ( > 0.05). Regarding the wet weights and the linear averages of the PRF membranes, it was observed that the wet PRF weights varied from 0.22 to 0.25 mg and the linear measurements from 24.1 to 26.7 mm, with no statistical differences between centrifuges ( > 0.05). The data presented by centrifuges C1 and C2 were more homogeneous, delivering a value of less than 25% variability compared to the C3 centrifuge, which achieved values greater than 33%.

Conclusions: The proposed macroscopic dimensional evaluation found no differences between the autologous platelet concentrates obtained by different centrifuges, and no correlation was found between these PRFs and the patients' blood counts.