Comparison of Three Different Preparations of Platelet Concentrates for Growth Factor Enrichment

The aim of the present study was to compare three different systems for preparing platelet concentrates: two commercially available bed-side techniques (Curasan system and PCCS) and a procedure used routinely in transfusion medicine. Platelet concentrates were prepared from venous blood of 12 healthy male volunteers using the three different systems. Platelet and leucocyte counts were performed and platelet derived growth factor and transforming growth factor beta were assayed by enzyme linked immunoassay. Handling was also considered. The three systems were able to collect 19.0 +/- 16.6% (laboratory system), 41.9 +/- 9.7% (Curasan system) and 49.6 +/- 21.0% (PCCS) of the absolute number of platelets which were originally in the venous blood volume within the platelet concentrate. Due to the amount of plasma which is left in the platelet concentrate portion, the platelet concentration could be increased between 1.4 +/- 1.3 times (laboratory system), 5.0 +/- 2.3 times (PCCS) and 11.7 +/- 2.4 times (Curasan system) compared to the venous blood. The amount of growth factors correlated with the number of platelets within the platelet concentrates. The two systems for intraoperative use are similar in their effects on the platelets. The absolute gain of platelets seems to be the highest with the PCCS; the highest concentration of platelets per micro L is gained with the Curasan system. The laboratory system may offer an alternative if an intraoperative system is not available.