Technical guide for professional users

Matching PRP tubes and centrifuges correctly

Compatibility, RCF, RPM, rotor radius and a traceable PRP protocol – explained using the Vi PRP-PRO and Hettich EBA 200 MD reference system.

Target force1,200 × g

Run time7 minutes

Vi PRP-PROTube system with sodium citrate and separation gel

Hettich EBA 200 MDReference centrifuge with an 8-place fixed-angle rotor

A system, not an isolated device

The correct setting starts with the tube

In PRP preparation, the tube, rotor, adapter, centrifugal force and run time form one connected system. A rotational speed can therefore never be assessed independently of the rotor radius.

The primary target specified by the tube manufacturer is the relative centrifugal force, abbreviated RCF or × g. The required speed for the specific centrifuge is calculated from this value using the rotor radius.

The key question is therefore not: “Which speed is best for PRP?” Instead: “What force and run time does the tube system require, and what speed produces that force in my centrifuge?”

A familiar RPM value is not a transferable PRP protocol. Without the rotor radius, it remains technically incomplete.

Principle for transferring centrifugation values

Tube systemMaterial, volume, additives

Rotor & adapterPosition and secure fit

RCFActual force applied

Run timeProduct-specific value

DocumentationTraceable practice workflow

Understanding RCF and RPM

Same speed, different force

The same RPM value can produce a different relative centrifugal force with different rotors. The effective radius extends from the axis of rotation to the bottom of the tube in its centrifugation position.

Speed3,500

smaller radius

With a smaller radius, the resulting RCF is lower. A familiar speed must not be adopted without checking.

Speed3,500

medium radius

As the distance from the axis of rotation increases, centrifugal force rises – even though the selected RPM remains unchanged.

Speed3,500

larger radius

A larger rotor produces more × g at the same speed. That is why the rotor radius is essential for every correct conversion.

RCF = 1.118 × 10⁻⁵ × r × RPM² The radius r is entered in centimetres. For 1,200 × g at a radius of 8.6 cm, the calculated speed is approximately 3,530 rpm.

Specific example

The reference system in detail

Vi PRP-PRO and Hettich EBA 200 MD are used here as a clearly defined combination. The values must not be transferred to other tubes or centrifuges without verification.

PRP tube

Vi PRP-PRO

Sterile borosilicate-glass vacuum tube with sodium citrate and a thixotropic separation gel.

Blood drawapprox. 9 ml

Anticoagulant0.8 ml sodium citrate

Separation systemThixotropic gel

Reference value1,200 × g / 7 min

View Vi PRP-PRO

Centrifuge

Hettich EBA 200 MD

Compact centrifuge with a fixed 8-place angle rotor for medical facilities.

Rotor8-place fixed-angle rotor

Rotor angle33°

Radius for 9–10 ml86 mm

Reference speedapprox. 3,500 rpm

View EBA 200 MD

Five areas to check

When are a tube and centrifuge compatible?

Dimensions and shape

The tube must sit fully, upright and without mechanical stress in the intended holder. Diameter, length and bottom shape are more important than nominal volume alone.

Permissible centrifugal force

The protocol’s target RCF must be achievable without exceeding the tube’s permissible load.

Effective rotor radius

The conversion requires the radius of the specific tube position – not the rotor diameter and not a value taken from another device.

Rotor and adapter

A different adapter or tube length changes the position of the tube bottom. This can also alter the calculated speed.

Symmetrical loading

Opposing positions are loaded with tubes of the same type and comparable mass. Imbalance monitoring does not replace correct balancing.

Technical workflow

Reference protocol for Vi PRP-PRO and EBA 200 MD

This workflow describes technical preparation at system level. It is not a treatment instruction and does not replace the instructions for use or the clinical decision of the responsible professional.

Check the productPackaging, lot, expiry

Fill completelyUse the intended vacuum

Mix gentlyDo not shake vigorously

BalanceIn pairs and symmetrically

Centrifuge1,200 × g / 7 min

Check separationRemove gently and upright

DocumentValues and observations

Reference value: At an effective rotor radius of 86 mm, 1,200 × g corresponds to a calculated speed of approximately 3,530 rpm. For the Hettich EBA 200 MD, this is stated as approximately 3,500 rpm. The current instructions for use of the products remain binding.

Parameter	Reference value	Why it is documented
Target RCF	1,200 × g	Describes the relative centrifugal force actually applied.
Run time	7 minutes	Forms part of the product-specific preparation workflow.
Rotor radius	86 mm	Required for conversion between RCF and RPM.
Speed	approx. 3,500 rpm	Applies to the described reference configuration, not universally.

Quality management

What a PRP protocol should document

Traceable documentation makes troubleshooting easier and prevents an isolated speed value from being recorded without its system context.

ConsumablesTube system, article number, lot and expiry date.

Device configurationCentrifuge model, rotor, adapter and tube position used.

Centrifugation valuesRCF or RPM, rotor radius and run time.

LoadingNumber of tubes, filling level and balancing sample used.

Visual inspectionSeparation, observations and approximate volume obtained.

DeviationsInterruptions, error messages or deviations from the approved workflow.

Common errors

What goes wrong when transferring settings

Using the RPM from another device

A different rotor radius can produce a substantially different RCF at the same speed.

Treating RCF and RPM as equivalent

1,200 × g is not 1,200 rpm. They are different physical quantities.

Using overly broad values

Broad ranges such as 6–10 minutes do not replace a product-specific protocol.

Underfilling the tube

In a vacuum tube, insufficient blood collection changes the ratio to the anticoagulant already present.

Balancing dissimilar masses

Opposing tubes should be comparable in design and filling level.

Mixing up PRP and PRF

Tubes with sodium citrate and separation gel follow a different system from conventional PRF tubes without anticoagulant.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

What setting applies to Vi PRP-PRO?

The product-specific reference value is 1,200 × g for 7 minutes. The current instructions for use are decisive.

What speed is required for the Hettich EBA 200 MD?

At a rotor radius of 86 mm, 1,200 × g corresponds to a calculated speed of approximately 3,530 rpm. Approximately 3,500 rpm is used as the rounded reference value.

Can I transfer 3,500 rpm to another centrifuge?

Not without checking. First calculate from the rotor radius what speed actually produces 1,200 × g in the other device.

Is a higher centrifugal force automatically better?

No. The validated workflow or the process specified by the manufacturer of the tube system is decisive.

Do all 9 or 10 ml tubes fit the EBA 200 MD?

Not necessarily. Diameter, length, bottom shape, adapter, permissible RCF and manufacturer information must also be considered.

Is Vi PRP-PRO a PRF tube?

No. Vi PRP-PRO contains sodium citrate and separation gel and is intended for a PRP preparation workflow.

Cookie name	Provider	Purpose	Expiry
cookiesplus	https://prphero.com	Stores your cookie preferences.	1 year
PrestaShop-#	https://prphero.com	This cookie helps keep user sessions open while they are visiting a website, and help them make orders and many more operations such as: cookie add date, selected language, used currency, last product category visited, last seen products, client identification, name, first name, encrypted password, email linked to the account, shopping cart identification.	480 hours