Written and reviewed by Dr Vahe
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is transforming medicine, from aesthetics to orthopaedics, offering a natural solution to rejuvenate skin, restore hair, and promote healing. But did you know that the choice of tube used to prepare PRP can significantly impact the results? The debate often comes down to two anticoagulants: Sodium Citrate and ACD (Acid Citrate Dextrose). Both prevent blood from clotting during preparation, but their differences make them more suitable for certain applications.
Let’s dive into the science to understand which might be the better choice for your treatment.
How Do These Anticoagulants Work?
- Sodium Citrate:
This anticoagulant works by binding to calcium, a mineral necessary for blood clotting. It keeps platelets in their natural, “resting” state, reducing the risk of early activation during PRP preparation. - ACD (Acid Citrate Dextrose):
ACD also binds calcium to stop clotting but adds citric acid and dextrose. The citric acid lowers the pH slightly, which primes platelets to activate more quickly during treatment. The dextrose provides energy to the platelets, keeping them viable.
What Does This Mean for Treatments?
- Platelet Activation
- Sodium citrate preserves platelets in a calm state, allowing for controlled activation. This is ideal for aesthetic procedures such as facial rejuvenation or delicate skin treatments, where precision is key.
- ACD, on the other hand, slightly primes platelets for faster activation. This is beneficial for aesthetics, orthopaedics and hair restoration, where rapid growth factor release is essential to stimulate healing or regrowth.
- Growth Factor Release
ACD tubes are known to release higher levels of growth factors because of their mildly acidic environment. These growth factors, including PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor) and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), are crucial for regenerating tissues and boosting collagen production. - Stability and Timing
ACD keeps PRP stable for longer, making it ideal if there’s a delay between preparation and treatment. Sodium citrate is less stable, so PRP prepared with these tubes should ideally be used immediately.
Which PRP Treatment Tube Is Better for You?
- For Patients Seeking Skin Rejuvenation or Fine Facial Work:
Sodium citrate is usually the preferred choice. Its ability to keep platelets in a resting state ensures a smoother, controlled release of growth factors for precision results. - For Hair Restoration or Rapid Tissue Healing:
ACD is the clear winner. Its ability to prime platelets ensures a faster and more potent release of the growth factors needed for regrowth and repair.
Why Does This Matter?
PRP therapy is a personalised treatment, and every detail matters—from the expertise of your clinician to the tools and techniques used. While both sodium citrate and ACD tubes are effective, their differences can impact the results of your treatment.
If you’re a patient, it’s worth discussing with your clinician which tube is being used and why. If you’re a doctor, understanding the unique benefits of each anticoagulant can help tailor treatments for the best outcomes.
A Natural Boost, Tailored to You
Whether you’re seeking to rejuvenate your skin, restore your hair, or heal an injury, PRP therapy offers incredible potential. By choosing the right tube for the right treatment, clinicians can help patients achieve better, faster, and more reliable results.
For more insights into PRP therapy and tailored treatments, speak to your healthcare provider.
Sources
This blog is based on clinical insights and published studies exploring the effectiveness of PRP preparation methods. If you’d like to learn more, please get in touch with us or refer to trusted medical journals.
