How to Make PRF Using the Dr. PRP Kit

How to Make PRF Using the Dr. PRP Kit

For more than 40 years, clinicians have harnessed the healing power of platelet concentrates to enhance wound healing and tissue regeneration. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), introduced in 1998, has been used with much success in a wide array of clinical applications ranging from skin care to osteoarthritis.

But one potential drawback of PRP is the lack of uniformity in its preparation protocols. As a result, the number of platelets in the final PRP product can vary, and some people may experience an adverse reaction to certain types of anticoagulants.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) represents a second-generation autologous platelet concentrate designed to overcome these limitations. If you’re thinking about offering PRF in addition to PRP to your patients, you may have wondered whether you would need to buy completely new kits and centrifuges.

The good news is you don’t. Here’s how to make PRF using your Dr. PRP kit.

What is Platelet-Rich Fibrin?

First, let’s briefly review the basics of PRF.

Unlike PRP, the PRF preparation protocol doesn’t require the use of anticoagulants, which means clot formation occurs naturally. This eliminates the risk of potential adverse reactions associated with bovine thrombin. It also means PRF is a 100% autologous product.

PRF has been described as “an autologous platelet and leukocyte-rich fibrin biomaterial,” which accumulates cytokines and immunity promoters in the fibrin clot.¹ This fibrin clot offers several advantages:

• It enables a slower degradation rate, which means growth factors are released at a steadier rate . Research has shown that a majority of growth factors from PRF are released up to 7 days after administration, and longer for others.^{2, 3}
• PRF has a high concentration of leukocytes, which promote antibacterial, immune, and wound-healing processes.⁴
• PRF has a simpler production protocol than PRP since it requires only one centrifugation step. It is also less expensive.

Because anticoagulants aren’t used, the success of PRF production depends heavily on the speed of blood handling. The PRF membrane must be used immediately, and storage of the membrane isn’t possible due to potential bacterial contamination and dehydration.⁵

How Do You Make PRF Using the Dr. PRP Kit?

You don’t need to spend money buying PRF kits and centrifuges. If you already own a Dr. PRP kit, just follow these steps.

1. Load a 20cc syringe with 3cc anticoagulant citrate dextrose solution A (ACD-A). Prime the needle until the ACD-A is at the tip of the needle.
2. Draw 17cc of the patient’s blood into the syringe. Mix the blood and ACD-A by tilting the tube up and down a few times.
3. Inject the blood sample into the upper injection port of the Dr. PRP kit until it reaches 20cc (marked on the kit).
4. Place the filled Dr. PRP kit into the Dr. PRP centrifuge. If running only one sample, place a counterweight across the sample.
5. Set the rotation at 3400 rpm and the timer for 4 minutes. This separates the plasma layer and the red blood cell (RBC) layer. You should see a PRP clot between these two layers.
6. Using a 10cc syringe with a long needle, remove about 6cc of the platelet-poor plasma (PPP) from the top chamber slowly (without shaking the kit). This should leave you with about 4cc at the base.
7. Shake and mix the remaining 4cc.
8. Load a 10cc syringe with 0.08cc of the coagulation activator 10% calcium chloride.
9. Draw the 4cc PRP into a 10cc syringe with calcium chloride.
10. You now have approximately 4cc of PRF.

Please note that PRF must be used within 10 minutes. This is the time that PRF can remain in liquid form after coming into contact with calcium chloride.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is PRF administered?

After the PRF is created, inject it into the target area. This may include tendon injuries, muscle injuries, joint injuries, etc. Some clinicians also use PRF intradermally or subdermally as part of a facelift procedure.

What tube is used for PRF?

The same Dr. PRP kit you use to prepare PRP can be used to create PRF.

How do you draw blood for PRF?

Just like with PRP, blood from the patient is drawn via venipuncture for PRF. If you’re using the Dr. PRP kit, draw 17cc of blood into a 20cc syringe with 3cc of ACD-A.

How much blood is needed for PRF?

If using the Dr. PRP kit, you’ll need approximately 17cc of blood.

Add Platelet-Rich Fibrin to Your Clinic

Incorporating PRF into your practice shows your patients that you’re keeping up with the latest trends and research. Both PRP and PRF have their advantages and disadvantages, and offering both demonstrates that you have your patients’ unique needs in mind.

Dr. PRP kits and centrifuges make this process incredibly easy. Be sure to check out our online store for all your PRP/PRF needs. If you have any questions, call us at (844) 377-7787 (DR-PRP-US).