Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) therapies are two of the most trusted regenerative treatments in modern medicine. Both rely on a patient’s own blood to stimulate natural healing, but they differ in preparation, tube type, and clinical application. For doctors and clinics, understanding the differences between PRP and PRF tubes is essential to choosing the right therapy for skin rejuvenation, hair restoration, dental procedures, and orthopedic healing.
What Is PRP Therapy?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a regenerative treatment that uses a patient’s own blood to harness the healing power of platelets. Rich in growth factors, platelets help accelerate tissue repair, stimulate collagen production, and support overall regeneration. To prepare PRP, a small blood sample is collected in a specialized PRP tube containing anticoagulant (ACD or sodium citrate) and a separating gel. After centrifugation, the concentrated plasma rich in platelets is isolated. When injected into the treatment area, this platelet concentrate releases powerful growth factors that promote faster healing, improve skin quality, and enhance tissue recovery.
How PRP Tubes Work
- Tube type: PRP tubes contain anticoagulant (ACD/sodium citrate) and a separating gel.
- Process: Blood is centrifuged to isolate platelet-rich plasma.
- Application: Injected into the target area or applied with microneedling.
Common PRP Applications:
- Hair restoration (androgenic alopecia)
- Facial rejuvenation (“PRP facials”)
- Scar treatment and skin texture improvement
- Joint pain, sports injuries, and musculoskeletal healing
What Is PRF Therapy?
PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) is prepared in a similar way but without anticoagulants. Blood is collected in a PRF tube without additives, often containing a natural gel separator. After centrifugation, a fibrin matrix forms that traps platelets, leukocytes, and cytokines. When applied, PRF gradually releases growth factors over time, providing a sustained healing effect.
How PRF Tubes Work
- Tube type: PRF tubes are additive-free (no anticoagulant). Some contain a natural gel separator.
- Process: Blood is centrifuged at higher g-force, forming a fibrin clot enriched with platelets and leukocytes.
- Application: Applied as a membrane or injected into treatment areas.
Common PRF Applications:
- Dental implantology and bone grafting
- Oral surgery and periodontal regeneration
- Chronic wound healing
- Under-eye rejuvenation and skin tightening
PRP vs PRF Tubes: Key Differences for Clinics
| Feature | PRP Tubes | PRF Tubes |
|---|---|---|
| Tube Composition | Contains anticoagulant (ACD/sodium citrate) + separating gel | No anticoagulant, natural clotting forms fibrin matrix |
| Platelet Concentration | Higher platelet concentration | Moderate platelet concentration, but includes leukocytes |
| Growth Factor Release | Fast release, strong initial effect | Slow, sustained release over several days |
| Centrifuge Protocol | Lower g-force (typically 1200–1500 RPM, 8–10 minutes) | Higher g-force (up to 2700 RPM, 10–12 minutes, depending on tube) |
| Composition | Platelet-rich plasma with minimal fibrin | Platelet-rich fibrin matrix with leukocytes & cytokines |
| Applications (Aesthetics) | Hair restoration, facial rejuvenation, scar treatment | Under-eye rejuvenation, skin tightening, wound healing |
| Safety & Naturalness | Anticoagulant needed, higher preparation control | More natural, additive-free, lower infection risk |
| Best For | High platelet demand (hair restoration, joint repair, aesthetics) | Long-term regeneration (dentistry, wound healing, facial PRF) |
Clinical Decision-Making: When to Use PRP vs PRF
When PRP Is Preferred
Doctors often recommend PRP therapy when:
- High platelet concentration is needed quickly
- Treating sports injuries, joint conditions, or hair loss
- Performing cosmetic facial rejuvenation, scar treatment, or microneedling with PRP
- Patients require strong short-term healing response
When PRF Is Preferred
PRF may be more suitable when:
- A long-lasting regenerative effect is needed
- Performing oral surgery, implantology, or bone grafting
- Patients prefer a natural, anticoagulant-free preparation
- Treating chronic wounds or delicate under-eye rejuvenation
Choosing the Right Tube for Your Clinic
Both PRP and PRF therapies play important roles in regenerative medicine. The right choice depends on:
- Treatment goals (quick recovery vs sustained regeneration)
- Clinical specialty (aesthetics, dentistry, orthopedics)
- Patient preference (natural vs high-concentration therapy)
👉 At IPPOCARE, we provide a wide range of PRP tubes (Classic, Biotin, HA-enriched) and PRF tubes for doctors and clinics worldwide. Each tube is CE-certified, sterile, and optimized for platelet recovery to ensure safe and effective treatments.
Both PRP and PRF tubes offer unique benefits for regenerative medicine.
- PRP provides high platelet concentration and rapid healing, making it ideal for aesthetics and sports medicine.
- PRF delivers a sustained, natural release of growth factors, making it valuable in dentistry, wound care, and delicate facial rejuvenation.
By stocking both tube types, clinics can provide customized treatment options that improve patient outcomes and build trust.
👉 Ready to equip your clinic?
Explore our full selection of PRP tubes and PRF tubes, CE-certified and trusted by aesthetic professionals worldwide.
FAQs About PRP and PRF Tubes
Yes. PRP tubes contain ACD or sodium citrate to prevent clotting, allowing proper platelet separation during centrifugation.
PRF is considered more natural since no anticoagulant is used, but both are safe when prepared with sterile, certified tubes.
PRP is generally preferred due to its higher platelet concentration, though PRF may be used for supportive regeneration.
It depends on your specialty and patient needs. For facial aesthetics and hair restoration, PRP tubes (with or without HA) are ideal. For oral surgery and wound healing, PRF tubes are recommended.
PRP tubes with a separating gel allow for clear plasma separation during centrifugation, resulting in higher platelet recovery and cleaner plasma for injections. Tubes without gel may lead to contamination with red or white blood cells, making them less suitable for consistent clinical use. Most modern PRP tubes for professional use include both gel and anticoagulant (ACD) for optimal platelet yield.
PRP and PRF tubes are commonly available in 8mL, 10mL, or 12mL sizes. For facial treatments or small-area injections, 8–10mL tubes are usually sufficient. For hair restoration or orthopedic procedures, doctors often prefer 10–12mL tubes to ensure enough plasma volume is collected. The choice of tube size depends on the treatment area and required platelet concentration.
No. PRP and PRF tubes are single-use, sterile medical devices. Reusing tubes increases the risk of infection and violates medical safety standards. Always dispose of used tubes in a proper biohazard container according to hospital and clinic regulations.
Last Updated: September 2025
