What is the ACD Gel Activator PRP Tube? Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is widely used in tissue regeneration, hair restoration, anti-aging therapy, and other clinical fields due to its high concentration of growth factors. The choice of blood collection tube directly affects the quality and activity of the final PRP. The ACD Gel Activator PRP Tube is a vacuum blood collection tube that combines three essential additives—ACD anticoagulant, separation gel, and clot activator—designed for efficient and safe separation and activation of PRP. It has become a trusted tool in many clinical departments and medical institutions.
What is the ACD Gel Activator PRP Tube?
The ACD Gel Activator PRP Tube is a professional-grade PRP collection tube that integrates anticoagulation, separation, and activation into one. It is preloaded with ACD anticoagulant, inert separation gel, and a clot activator, specifically designed for high-quality PRP separation and the preservation of platelet viability.
1. ACD Anticoagulant (Acid Citrate Dextrose)
By chelating calcium ions, it blocks the coagulation process, prevents clotting after collection, and protects platelets from premature activation—essential for preserving platelet activity.
2. Separation Gel (Inert Gel Separator)
Under centrifugal force, the gel migrates and stabilizes between the plasma and blood cell layers, forming a clear, stable physical barrier. This effectively reduces contamination from red and white blood cells and improves plasma purity.
3. Clot Activator
Usually composed of silica microparticles, it activates platelets when needed and induces the release of key growth factors such as TGF-β, PDGF, and VEGF, supporting tissue regeneration and healing.
How It Works
The ACD Gel Activator PRP Tube works by drawing venous blood and using centrifugation to separate it into layers, allowing the extraction of platelet-rich plasma for treatment.
Standard procedure:
- Blood collection and mixing: Draw 8–10 ml of venous blood and gently invert the tube 6–8 times to ensure complete mixing with the ACD, preventing coagulation.
- Centrifugation: Place the tube in a PRP centrifuge and set the speed based on the treatment type (e.g., 3000 rpm × 8 minutes or 1300 rpm × 3 minutes).
- Layer formation: After centrifugation, three layers appear: clear PRP at the top, separation gel in the middle, and red blood cells at the bottom.
- Extraction: Use a sterile syringe to extract the PRP from the top layer for injection, dressing, or mixing with bone graft material.
Applications & Advantages
Clinical Applications:
- Dermatology / Aesthetic Medicine: Improves skin texture, reduces wrinkles, and supports post-treatment recovery.
- Hair Restoration: Stimulates hair follicles and delays hair loss.
- Dental Implantology / Periodontics: Enhances bone integration and soft tissue healing.
- Sports Medicine / Orthopedics: Treats cartilage damage, ligament strains, and more.
- Chronic Wounds / Burns: Accelerates healing and reduces scarring.
- Plastic Surgery: Supports intraoperative and postoperative tissue repair and improves recovery quality.
Key Advantages:
- Three-in-One Functionality: Anticoagulation, separation, and activation in a single tube.
- Cleaner Separation: The gel significantly reduces contamination from blood cells.
- Improved Platelet Quality: ACD delays activation, preserving more intact, viable platelets.
- Simplified Workflow: No need for external additives, suitable for clinical routines at all levels.
- Wide Compatibility: Supports multiple centrifuge settings and PRP/PRF techniques.
- High Safety Standards: Individually sterile, single-use, ISO and CE compliant.
Comparison with Other PRP Tubes
Compared with PRP tubes containing only one additive (e.g., ACD or gel only). The ACD Gel Activator PRP Tube offers superior operation integrity and separation efficiency:
- Versus ACD-only tubes: While anticoagulation is effective, the lack of a gel barrier may lead to contamination with red or white cells.
- Versus gel-only tubes: Without an anticoagulant, blood may begin to clot before centrifugation, compromising results.
- Versus dry PRF tubes (no anticoagulant): Designed for solid PRF preparation, whereas the ACD Gel Activator PRP Tube is more flexible for liquid injectable PRP.
FAQs
Q1: Does the tube need to be centrifuged immediately after collection?
Yes. It’s recommended to centrifuge within 30 minutes of collection. Delays may reduce platelet activity. If immediate centrifugation is not possible, store the tube in a cool environment for a short period.
Q2: Can the tube be reused?
No. This is a single-use medical consumable. Used tubes must be disposed of in accordance with medical waste protocols to prevent contamination.
Q3: Is it compatible with all centrifuge types?
It is compatible with most standard horizontal or angle rotor centrifuges. For optimal results, use a medical PRP centrifuge with adjustable speed and temperature control.
Summary
The ACD Gel Activator PRP Tube combines anticoagulation, clean separation, and platelet activation into one integrated solution. Delivering a professional, safe, and standardized tool for PRP clinical applications. It improves workflow consistency while preserving platelet viability and plasma purity—making it a preferred choice across aesthetic, regenerative, and surgical fields.
To learn more about PRP tubes, please visit the Siny PRP Website or Siny Medical Platform for technical support and product recommendations.