Which is the proper procedure for preparation of Platelets from Whole Blood?

The correct procedure for the preparation of platelets from whole blood involves performing a light spin followed by a hard spin. This technique is essential for effectively separating the components of blood according to their density.

During the initial light spin, the whole blood is centrifuged gently enough to allow the separation of the plasma and the less dense components while keeping the platelets and the red blood cells mostly intact. This step ensures that the platelets remain in suspension and minimizes their activation or aggregation.

Once the plasma has been separated, a harder spin is performed to further clarify the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from the sedimented red blood cells. The hard spin is necessary to concentrate the platelets into a smaller volume, thereby maximizing their yield while allowing for the removal of additional cellular materials and any residual red blood cells.

This two-step spin process is crucial for ensuring the quality and functionality of the prepared platelet product, making it suitable for transfusion purposes.