How to Spin PRP ACD-Gel Tubes: Best Practices, Speeds & Common Mistakes

How to Spin PRP ACD-Gel Tubes: Best Practices, Speeds & Common Mistakes

, by Lee Charles, 4 min reading time

If you’ve been working with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), then you’ll know how important it is to get your spin settings right. At Charles Medical, we’re often asked about the best spin protocol for ACD-Gel PRP tubes — and while there’s no one-size-fits-all, we thought we’d share what we do, and what else is out there.


Our Protocol: 2860 RPM for 4 Minutes

We spin our PRP ACD-Gel tubes at 2860 rpm for 4 minutes. Why? Because it gives a consistent separation, a high-quality plasma layer, and maintains the integrity of the platelets — all without stressing the cells.

This setting works especially well with ACD-Gel tubes, where the gel barrier assists in keeping the red cells and buffy coat below the plasma during harvesting. It’s efficient, it’s quick, and it’s gentle enough for both aesthetic and clinical use.


But What About Other Spin Settings?

Here’s a quick look at some commonly used settings out there — along with a few pros and cons to help you weigh up your options:


🔹 3000 rpm for 10 minutes

Pros:

  • Often results in a clearer separation

  • Useful when harvesting for higher-volume plasma applications

Cons:

  • Longer processing time

  • Can sometimes lead to denser plasma, which may not be ideal for facial rejuvenation or delicate work

  • Risk of over-centrifugation and platelet activation if not handled properly


🔹 1500 rpm for 10-15 minutes (soft spin)

Pros:

  • Gentle on cells

  • May preserve stem cell activity more effectively

Cons:

  • May not fully separate plasma and red cells, especially in gel tubes

  • Longer spin time can delay treatment flow

  • Lower yield if not followed by a second “hard spin”


🔹 3600 rpm for 4-6 minutes

Pros:

  • Fast and strong separation, can be useful in certain medical settings

Cons:

  • Often too harsh for platelet or stem cell integrity

  • Risk of damaging cells and activating growth factors too early

  • In our experience, not ideal for aesthetic treatments


The Bottom Line? It Depends on What You’re Aiming For.

Different clinics use different protocols based on their centrifuge, training, and patient goals. There’s no absolute “right” way — but the key is understanding what you want to harvest, and adjusting your spin to suit.

Whether you're after plasma rich in growth factors, a stem cell-heavy layer, or just consistent yield for injectables, it’s worth trialling a few settings to see what works best for your system.

If you’re using our PRP ACD-Gel tubes, and especially if you’re working in aesthetics or regenerative medicine, we strongly recommend 2860 rpm for 4 minutes as a reliable starting point.


Need Help with PRP Tubes or Centrifuge Settings?

We’re always happy to advise — whether you’re new to PRP or just fine-tuning your protocol. Reach out any time, and let’s get spinning.


Blog posts

  • , by Author Article title

  • , by Author Article title

  • , by Author Article title

© 2025 Charles Medical, Designed by Due North

    • American Express
    • Apple Pay
    • Diners Club
    • Discover
    • Google Pay
    • Maestro
    • Mastercard
    • Shop Pay
    • Union Pay
    • Visa

    Login

    Forgot your password?

    Don't have an account yet?
    Create account