Preparation of L-PRF clot, membrane and plug
Introduction
The figure represents an L-PRF clot, a membrane, and a plug.
L-PRF (Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin) is a bioactive material made from your own blood through a simple chairside centrifugation (spinning) process. It doesn't contain any added chemicals, making it 100% natural (autologous/self-generated). L-PRF aims to accelerate and improve the natural healing and regeneration of both soft and hard tissues by concentrating healing cells (platelets and leukocytes) and other therapeutic components in your blood (such as fibrinogen/fibrin, growth factors, cytokines, and circulating cells) at the wound site.
Protocol: step by step
STEP 1: venipuncture:
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Usually, eight tubes of blood (10 ml each) are taken. This amount won't affect your health.
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The tubes don't have any added chemicals. L-PRF is made through a mechanical process, keeping it 100% natural.
STEP 2: centrifugation (fast coagulating):
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The tubes are quickly placed in a centrifuge, usually in pairs (with immediate centrifugation while other tubes are filled), to prevent the blood from clotting too soon.
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The centrifugation (spinning) process takes around 12 minutes. If you take blood thinners, it might take a bit longer.
STEP 3: collecting the L-PRF clot:
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After spinning the blood, three distinct layers form in the tube, with the L-PRF clot in the middle.
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The clots, which look like snails, are taken out of the blood tube with tweezers.
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The red blood cells stuck to the clots are removed because they aren't helpful for healing and might cause inflammation.
STEP 4: preparing the L-PRF membrane:
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The clots are gently pressed into membranes using a special kit to remove excess fluid and further concentrate the leukocytes and platelets.
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After 5 minutes, the "strong" L-PRF membranes are ready to use.
open access
This figure shows the different steps: Blood is collected in special tubes. After spinning for 12 min. or more, three layers form: clear plasma (with no cells) on top, the L-PRF clot in the middle, and red blood cells at the bottom. The L-PRF clot is picked up with tweezers and gently pressed into membranes. These membranes are 3 by 1 cm in size and 0.5 mm thick. The area surrounded by a blue line is the most active part for healing (called the face).
Video: Preparation L-PRF clot / membrane / plug / exudate
Blood is collected in special tubes. The first two tubes of blood are placed in the centrifuge immediately after collection, opposite each other to balance the centrifuge, and spinning is started. When two new tubes are filled, the centrifuge is stopped, and the new tubes are added. This procedure is repeated for all remaining tubes. After centrifugation, the L-PRF clots are removed from the tubes, and the red blood cells are carefully scraped away. The clots are gently pressed into membranes. After 5 minutes, the L-PRF membranes are ready for use.
Characteristics of L-PRF membranes
Biological capacities
This figure shows the key benefits of L-PRF membranes. L-PRF is packed with platelets, white blood cells, growth factors, and other components that help repair tissues. Thanks to a 3-D fibrin network, L-PRF membranes are stable, strong, sticky, and flexible. Inside the membrane, platelets are tightly packed, and the white blood cells stay alive and active. They have great properties like fighting microbes (antibacterial), reducing inflammation, stopping bleeding (haemostatic), killing pain (analgesic), and repairing and regrowing tissues (regeneration). This includes forming blood vessels (angiogenic), stimulating bone formation (osteogenic), and repairing and regrowing soft tissues (wound healing). Compared to regular blood, the amount of platelets and white blood cells is increased 20-25 times. This feature boosts tissue repair and wound healing naturally.
Mechanical strength
L-PRF membranes are relatively strong and can even be used as barrier membranes. A single membrane, which was blood 20 minutes ago, can support around 500 grams in weight.