Compatibility of EDTA Tubes for PRP: A Closer Look

Regarding musculoskeletal tissue repair, there are various promising outcomes in using platelet-rich plasma. It is important to note that different methodologies usually applied when obtaining the PRP might have varying and opposing findings. The process involves different choices of anticoagulants, for instance, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, usually known as EDTA tube. Based on various scientific evidence, the application of EDTA leads to the harvest of higher platelets in the blood samples. Therefore it would be right to say that among all the available PRP collection tubes, the best would be the EDTA tube for PRP. 

What Is PRP 

Platelet-rich plasm (PRP) is a type of blood-derived product where the platelets are concentrated in the blood plasma. The concentration is usually more than five times higher compared to the baseline in the whole blood composition. The reason why the PRP is under investigation as an autologous product is to help with the improvement of tissue repairs under various conditions. 

PRP injection is a type of advanced treatment used by physicians when repairing damaged or injured tissues in any part of the body. On most occasions, this procedure initiates the regenerative process by secreting the growth factors in the platelets. The PRP blood collection tube combines a glass tube, a rubber stopper, and a plastic cap containing sodium citrate and GEL in the tube. 

The composition of PRP is that it is a concentration of platelets in plasms which has a lot of growth factors. For instance, PDGF, TGF-B, epidermal growth factor, and growth factor, among others. Therefore, the procedure is mainly applied in various clinical applications to help with hard and soft tissue healing. 

What Is EDTA Tube 

EDTA is an abbreviation for Ethylenediamenitetraacetic acid, an anticoagulant typically used in hematology procedures. For instance, when you want to identify and count the blood cells and blood typing, among others. The EDTA tube usually comes in lavender purple and is used when measuring most proteins. The EDTA tube also facilitates storing genetic materials through EDTA buffy coats the interface between the red cells and plasma after centrifugation. 

The Function Of EDTA In PRP

On most occasions, you will notice purple or lavender tubes when you go for blood donations. The tube is known as an EDTA tube and is always coated with a spray-dried EDTA on the wall. EDTA is used as an anticoagulant that binds the calcium ions. At the same time, it interrupts the clotting of the blood samples. Because of its features and description, it is right to say that you can use EDTA tubes for PRP. The primary function of the EDTA tube is to aid in the hematology procedures and preparing the EDTA plasma. 

Based on the description and the properties of EDTA tubes, it is right to state that you can use the tube for PRP. You can use EDTA tubes to test for PRP because it is a more potent chelator than the other tubes. For instance, anticoagulant citrate dextrose (ACD) is used for general blood cell count. Among the other tubes used for PRP, EDTA provides the best anticoagulant that can be used for PRP preparation. Since the EDTA tube has a stronger chelator than the other tubes, it is recommended that you use it. The reason is that it leads to a larger yield of platelets in PRP.