Different Types of PRP Tubes | Clinical Selection Guide

Different Types of PRP Tubes: A Practical Guide to Selection and Clinical Impact

For clinicians using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in practice, consistent outcomes depend not only on injection technique or spin protocols — but also on the equipment used to prepare the biologic. Among these variables, different types of PRP tubes can significantly affect the volume, purity, and biologic activity of the final product.

Tube selection isn’t a cosmetic preference — it determines platelet yield, leukocyte concentration, anticoagulant stability, sterility, and compatibility with your centrifuge system. If your PRP quality is inconsistent or underperforming, the tubes may be part of the problem.

In this post, we break down the clinical impact of PRP tube variations and offer practical guidance for physicians choosing between tube types for musculoskeletal and biologic applications.

Why Tube Type Matters in PRP Quality

The goal of PRP therapy is to isolate and concentrate platelets from whole blood while minimizing contaminants or unwanted cell lines. That outcome is heavily influenced by the type of PRP tube used during preparation.

Subtle differences in tube material, anticoagulant formulation, separation design, and sterility protocol all affect:

• Final platelet concentration
  

• Activation potential (spontaneous vs. triggered)
  

• Volume of PRP obtained
  

• Ease of separation from red cells and leukocytes
  

• Sterile integrity during handling
  

• Compatibility with centrifuge rotor settings
  
  

That’s why understanding the different types of PRP tubes is essential before establishing a PRP workflow or troubleshooting biologic inconsistency.

Classification of PRP Tubes

1. Gel-Separator Tubes

These tubes contain a thixotropic gel that rises between blood layers during centrifugation. They’re common in automated systems and offer a barrier between red cells and plasma.

• Pros: Easy separation, less manual handling
  

• Cons: May trap platelets in the gel, leading to lower yield
  

• Use Cases: Simple workflows, large-volume spins, aesthetic PRP
  
  

2. Anticoagulant-Coated Tubes (e.g., ACD-A, citrate)

These tubes prevent clotting during centrifugation. They may be coated internally or come with pre-filled anticoagulant.

• Pros: Preserves platelet viability during spin
  

• Cons: Requires precise blood-to-anticoagulant ratio
  

• Use Cases: Musculoskeletal PRP, longer preparation windows
  
  

3. Glass Tubes vs. Plastic Tubes

Material affects clotting, adhesion, and platelet activation.

• Glass: May trigger early platelet activation — useful in clot/gel PRP
  

• Plastic: Lower risk of activation, often used for injectable PRP
  
  

When comparing different types of PRP tubes, material choice influences whether spontaneous activation is desirable or should be avoided.

Tube Format and Volume: Matching to Indication

• Single-Spin Tubes: Simpler systems, used for basic PRP
  

• Dual-Chamber or Double-Spin Kits: Higher yield, lower RBC contamination
  

• Tube Volume: Typically ranges from 10 mL to 22 mL — affects PRP yield and compatibility with centrifuge angle
  
  

For example, small-volume gel tubes may produce 2–3 mL of PRP, while large dual-spin tubes can produce 5–6 mL or more.

Compatibility with Centrifuge Systems

Even high-quality tubes will underperform if spun at incorrect speeds, angles, or durations. When evaluating the different types of PRP tubes, check:

• Tube length and diameter
  

• Material safety for swing-out or fixed-angle rotors
  

• Maximum RPM tolerated
  

• Tube weight and balancing requirements
  
  

Centrifuge systems like the Horizon 6 Flex offer adjustable RPM and RCF settings, but each tube requires validation for spin consistency and clot separation.

Accretion Portal offers compatibility guidance to ensure matched performance across tubes and systems.

Regulatory Considerations

Not all PRP tubes are cleared for clinical use.

• FDA-Cleared Tubes: Required in U.S. clinical settings; undergo sterility, labeling, and material testing
  

• CE-Mark Only: Common in European markets; may be used in research or off-label scenarios in the U.S.
  

• “For Research Use Only” Tubes: Not validated for human use; pose regulatory risk
  
  

Using different types of PRP tubes without proper clearance can lead to compliance issues or safety concerns. Always confirm the regulatory status of the PRP tube before use in a clinical setting.

Cost vs. Performance: What Matters Most?

PRP tubes range from low-cost generic tubes (~$5/tube) to premium closed-system kits. While cost is a consideration, poorly performing tubes may waste staff time, reduce platelet yield, and compromise sterility.

Questions to evaluate:

• Does the tube consistently yield 4–6x platelet concentration?
  

• Is there evidence of leukocyte contamination or red cell carryover?
  

• Are there published spin protocols or internal validation data?
  

• Are the tubes compatible with your PRP system and rotor setup?
  

• Is sterility maintained during transfer and re-injection?
  
  

When comparing different types of PRP tubes, price should be weighed against quality, yield, and downstream clinical results.

 

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Matching Tube Types to Clinical Use

The goal is to match PRP tube characteristics with indication, staff experience, and regulatory context.

When to Switch PRP Tubes

Clinicians may consider switching tubes if:

• PRP platelet count is inconsistent
  

• Visible RBC or WBC contamination occurs
  

• Tubes are not fitting or spinning correctly
  

• Clotting occurs before spin or during transfer
  

• Staff report poor workflow or re-draw rates
  
  

Reviewing the different types of PRP tubes currently in use and consulting with your supplier or centrifuge manufacturer may reveal better-matched alternatives.

Summary: PRP Tube Selection Shapes Clinical Outcomes

The different types of PRP tubes used in regenerative medicine affect every stage of therapy — from biologic integrity to procedural workflow. No single tube suits all applications. Clinicians should evaluate tube type based on:

• Desired PRP characteristics (volume, leukocyte content, activation)
  

• Regulatory requirements
  

• Centrifuge compatibility
  

• Indication-specific needs
  

• Staff experience and clinical workflow
  
  

When in doubt, request sample tubes or validation protocols to test platelet yield and compatibility with your current system.

✅ Explore Validated PRP Tubes and Kits at Accretion Portal

Accretion Portal supplies FDA-cleared PRP tubes, kits, and centrifuge systems designed for consistent platelet yield and safe clinical use.
Contact us to review compatibility with your current setup or to explore options for musculoskeletal, surgical, or wound care use.