Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may be required for some platelet analysis procedures, such as optical light transmission aggregometry. PRP is prepared by centrifuging whole blood at a low relative centrifugal force (g force). These procedural steps should be followed:
- Collect an anticoagulated sample using a tube containing 3.2% sodium citrate; ensure proper filling of the tube.
- Prepare the plasma specimen by centrifuging at a low g force (e.g., 170 g for 15 minutes).
- Ensure that interfering substances are not present in the sample (lipemia, hemolysis, etc.).
- Analyze the PRP sample within the time limit recommended by the instrument manufacturer (usually within 3-4 hours of collection).
- Ideal concentrations of platelets in platelet-rich plasma are 200-300 x 109/L. Platelet-poor plasma may be used to dilute higher concentrations of platelet-rich plasma in some cases.
To obtain accurate results during analyses utilizing platelet-rich plasma, samples with baseline platelet counts above 100 x 109/L are preferred.
