Summary
In order to prepare platelet-rich plasma a constant height and volume of citrated
whole blood was centrifuged at different gravity forces and times. The supernatant
plasmas were examined for platelet concentrations, plasma volumes and optical densities.
Results are described showing that gravity force and time have an important influence
on the platelet numbers and the plasma volumes recovered.
The light attenuation by different concentrations of platelets in plasma, using light
path lengths of 5 mm and 10 mm, was compared. The shorter light path provides greater
linearity between optical density and platelet numbers especially at higher concentrations.