
How to Spin PRP ACD-Gel Tubes: Best Practices, Speeds & Common Mistakes
, by Lee Charles, 4 min reading time
, 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.
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.
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:
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
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”
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
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.
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.