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Buying guide / PRP & PRF
Which centrifuge for PRP and PRF? What practices should check before buying
The centrifuge is a central part of PRP and PRF preparation. Speed and price matter, but intended use, tube compatibility, RCF range, rotor, usability and documentation are just as important.
01Regulatory status
Check MDR or IVDR version, intended use and instructions for use.
02Technical fit
RCF range, rotor radius, rotor angle, runtime and braking behaviour affect preparation.
03Practice workflow
Do tubes fit? Are settings easy? Is service available? Is cleaning practical?
Why a centrifuge is more than a lab device
PRP and PRF preparation is not just routine sample handling. The processed blood components become part of a medical or aesthetic-medical workflow. A device should therefore not be selected only by maximum speed or low purchase price.
A suitable centrifuge should enable reproducible preparation conditions: an appropriate rotor, matching adapters, stable RPM or RCF settings, defined runtimes and handling that can be documented in daily practice.
Regulatory aspects: MDR, IVDR and intended use
The key point is the manufacturer’s intended use, as described in labelling, instructions for use and technical documentation. A centrifuge may be intended as a laboratory or IVD device, or as a medical device for defined medical applications.
For PRP or PRF workflows in which processed blood components are applied again, the complete process chain should be checked: centrifuge, tubes, collection system, sterile handling, documentation and medical indication. MDR marking alone is not a legal guarantee, but it is an important element when the device is used according to its intended purpose.
In practice, the first question should not be only “is it fast enough?”, but “is this device intended for my workflow and does it fit the tubes I use?”
RCF instead of RPM: the key technical point
Many protocols state either RPM or RCF. RCF is usually more useful for comparison because it includes the rotor radius. Two centrifuges can generate different g-forces at the same RPM.
The basic formula is: RCF = 1.118 × 10-5 × radius in cm × RPM². A practical overview is available in the internal article PRP centrifugation: RCF, RPM, rotor and time.
The setting should always match the tube, system and protocol. For PRF, braking behaviour should also be considered.
Rotor type: fixed-angle or swing-out rotor?
The rotor affects how blood components separate during centrifugation. Fixed-angle rotors are compact, quick to use and common in small practice centrifuges.
Swing-out rotors can support horizontal layering but usually require more space and are often used in larger devices. The relevant question is not generally better or worse, but whether rotor angle, tube length, adapter and sediment position fit the protocol.
| Rotor type | Typical strength | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed-angle rotor | Compact, robust, integrated in many practice centrifuges | Check rotor angle, tube length, adapters and sediment position |
| Swing-out rotor | Horizontal layering during centrifugation | Consider size, cost, runtime, compatibility and maintenance |
PRP and PRF have different requirements
PRP and PRF are often mentioned together but are prepared differently. PRP is usually collected with anticoagulant so the plasma remains liquid before application. PRF is typically prepared without anticoagulant, making the time between blood draw and centrifugation especially relevant.
PRF protocols may need lower g-forces, defined runtimes and adapted braking behaviour. PRP often focuses on clear separation, reproducible plasma yield and clean fractioning.
A protocol from another centrifuge should not be copied blindly. RPM values must be converted to RCF using rotor radius. Rotor angle, tube format and braking behaviour should also be considered.
Practical example: Hettich EBA 200 MD
The Hettich EBA 200 MD is a compact centrifuge for small sample volumes and is offered as an MDR version for medical applications. According to the datasheet, it is a medical device under Regulation (EU) 2017/745 for separating whole blood or blood components of human origin.
Technically, the EBA 200 MD has an integrated 8-place fixed-angle rotor, a speed range up to 6,000 min-1, a maximum RCF of 3,461 x g and a maximum capacity of 8 x 10 ml. Before purchase, tube format, protocol and intended application should still be checked.
| Criterion | Practice assessment |
|---|---|
| Regulatory status | MDR version available; intended use and IFU must fit the application |
| Rotor | integrated 8-place fixed-angle rotor |
| RCF/RPM | up to 3,461 x g or 6,000 min-1 |
| Tubes | tube format, diameter, length and adapters must be checked in advance |
| Practice use | compact, straightforward operation, suitable for small sample volumes |
Checklist before buying a PRP or PRF centrifuge
- Does the intended use match the planned application?
- Is it the required MDR or IVDR version?
- Does the device reach the RCF values needed for the protocols?
- Is the rotor radius known for RPM-to-RCF conversion?
- Do tube length, diameter and fill volume fit rotor and adapters?
- Is acceleration and braking behaviour suitable for PRP or PRF?
- Are documentation, service, spare parts and support available?
Common selection mistakes
Many wrong purchases happen not because the device is bad, but because it does not fit the planned process.
- Buying only by maximum RPM and ignoring RCF and rotor radius.
- Using an IVD or laboratory centrifuge without checking intended use.
- Selecting tubes by nominal volume only, without checking length and diameter.
- Treating PRP and PRF protocols as identical.
- Ignoring braking behaviour and rotor angle.
- Checking service, spare parts and manufacturer documentation only after purchase.
Conclusion: the right centrifuge is part of a system
For PRP and PRF, the centrifuge is central, but it never works in isolation. The relevant system includes centrifuge, rotor, tubes, protocol, sterile workflow and documentation.
A compact MDR centrifuge such as the Hettich EBA 200 MD can be a suitable option for many practices if the chosen tubes and protocols are compatible. The decision should not be based on price or one technical value alone.
Neutral product reference for professionals
Professionals can find suitable devices in the centrifuge category. The product page for the Hettich EBA 200 MD provides further product-related information. Suitable PRP tubes are also relevant for preparation. This reference concerns material, device selection and workflow organisation, not clinical efficacy.
Notice for healthcare professionals
This article is intended for healthcare professionals and provides general information on device selection. It does not replace checking intended use, instructions for use, local regulatory requirements, hygiene rules or the professional responsibility of the practitioner.