Platelet - Rich Fibrin (PRF) - The effect of storage time on platelet concentration

The aim of this study was to determine whether storage time had a significant effect on the platelet concentration of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). Three blood samples were drawn from each participant into a sterile blood sampling tube. Two of the blood samples were centrifuged to form PRF. The third non-centrifuged sample was used to measure the baseline blood platelet concentration. After PRF had formed, it was removed from the respective test tubes at different time intervals i.e. immediately after centrifugation (Group A) and after 60 min of storage time in the blood collecting tube (Group B). The residual blood from each group was tested for platelet concentration and compared with the baseline reading (as an indirect measure of the platelet concentrate of PRF). The PRF produced in Group A (PRF A) had a mean platelet concentration of 274 ±57.8x109/L, whereas the PRF of Group B (PRF B) was 278 ± 58.2x109/L. A statistically significant difference was seen between the groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions : Storage time has a significant effect on the platelet concentration of PRF. Further research is required to determine whether this has any clinical relevance.