What Are PRF Tubes? A Complete Introduction to Platelet-Rich Fibrin Collection
Mariana RuizShare
Introduction
PRF tubes — platelet-rich fibrin collection tubes — are sterile, single-use blood collection tubes used to prepare platelet-rich fibrin, a fibrin scaffold rich in platelets, leukocytes and growth factors. The defining feature of a PRF tube is what it does not contain: no anticoagulant, no gel, no additive. Blood drawn into the tube is allowed to clot naturally during a low-speed centrifugation, and the fibrin matrix that forms is used directly in the procedure.
For clinics comparing PRF collection options — or for practitioners who use PRP tubes today and want to understand where PRF fits — this guide explains what PRF tubes are, how they differ from PRP tubes, what to look for when selecting them, and where each PRF family fits in a practice workflow.
1. PRF vs PRP: What Is Actually Different?
The practical difference between PRF and PRP is a single design decision: the anticoagulant.
| Characteristic | PRF Tube | PRP Tube |
|---|---|---|
| Anticoagulant | None — blood clots naturally | ACD-A, sodium citrate or sodium heparin |
| End product | Solid fibrin matrix (clot) | Liquid platelet concentrate |
| Leukocytes | Incorporated into the matrix | Varies by protocol |
| Processing | Single low-speed spin | Single or double spin |
| Typical use | Membranes, grafts, injectable liquid PRF | Injectable PRP protocols |
Because no anticoagulant or additive is involved, a PRF preparation is fully autologous — nothing is added to the patient's blood. The fibrin matrix that forms acts as a natural scaffold that releases growth factors gradually over time, which is the property most often cited in the PRF literature. For a fuller comparison of the two systems, see our article on PRP vs PRF: tubes, protocols and clinical applications compared.
2. What Happens Inside a PRF Tube During Centrifugation
Because a PRF tube contains no anticoagulant, the sequence is time-sensitive:
- Blood draw — whole blood enters the tube and clotting begins immediately. This is why PRF preparation is performed at the point of care.
- Centrifugation — the tube is spun at a low speed for the protocol being used (for example, standard PRF is commonly prepared around 2,700 rpm for approximately 12 minutes; i-PRF around 700 rpm for approximately 3 minutes).
- Layer separation — after the spin, three fractions are visible: red blood cells at the bottom, the fibrin matrix in the middle, and platelet-poor plasma at the top.
- Recovery — the fibrin matrix is transferred directly for use, or processed further — for example, pressed into a membrane.
Timing matters throughout: delaying centrifugation after the draw, or allowing the tube to cool or warm outside its intended storage range, affects how consistently the matrix forms. Tube freshness also matters — every PRF tube has a labelled expiry, and an expired tube should not be used.
3. PRF Tube Sizes, Materials & Packaging
PRF tubes are typically manufactured in PET (polyethylene terephthalate) — unbreakable in routine use and the standard choice for PRF workflows. Most PRF protocols are built around 10ml, 12ml and 15ml draws:
| Volume | Typical role | Common PRF use |
|---|---|---|
| 10ml | Most injectable and aesthetic protocols | i-PRF for injection-type workflows |
| 12ml | General clinical use | Standard PRF matrices |
| 15ml | Larger matrices | Dental membranes and larger-surface applications |
VivaPRP manufactures PET PRF tubes in 10ml, 12ml and 15ml, each tube individually packaged, sterile and single-use, with production (LOT) and expiry (EXP) dates printed on every label. See the complete PRF tubes guide for packaging and ordering details, or browse the PRF tube collection.
4. The PRF Families: i-PRF, A-PRF and Standard PRF
PRF protocols are usually described by the centrifuge speed and the tube used. Three families dominate the published literature:
- Standard PRF — prepared around 2,700 rpm for about 12 minutes; produces a dense fibrin plug commonly used for membranes.
- A-PRF / A-PRF+ (advanced PRF) — prepared at lower speeds, around 1,300–1,500 rpm for 8–14 minutes; produces a softer, more cell-rich matrix.
- i-PRF (injectable / liquid PRF) — prepared around 700 rpm for about 3 minutes; remains liquid and is used in injection-type workflows.
The practical rule for tube selection: choose the tube size and material first, then match the published protocol for the PRF family you want to prepare. Each family is covered in depth in our comparison of i-PRF vs A-PRF vs A-PRF+, and the step-by-step preparation sequence is in our PRF preparation protocol guide.
5. What to Look for When Selecting PRF Tubes
- CE marking — the tube carries the CE mark as a medical device under the EU regulatory framework.
- Additive-free formulation — the defining characteristic of a genuine PRF tube: no anticoagulant, no gel, no additive.
- Sterile, single-use packaging — each tube individually packed, one draw per tube.
- LOT/EXP dating — production and expiry dates printed on every label, so remaining shelf life is verifiable.
- ISO 13485 manufacturing — produced under the international quality management standard for medical-device manufacturing.
For what the CE mark does and does not mean — and how to verify a supplier's claims — see our CE certification guide and the article on FDA vs CE marking for PRP and PRF devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a PRP tube be used for PRF?
No. PRP tubes contain an anticoagulant that prevents clotting, so blood cannot form the fibrin matrix that defines a PRF preparation. PRF requires an additive-free tube.
Is PRF the same as injectable PRP?
No. PRP is a liquid platelet concentrate prepared with an anticoagulant; PRF is a fibrin-based preparation produced by natural clotting. The two are prepared differently and used differently in published protocols.
How long does a PRF tube last before use?
Each tube carries a labelled expiry date. Store boxes in a cool, dry place at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture, and do not use tubes beyond their expiry.
What size PRF tube should I start with?
10ml covers most injectable and aesthetic protocols; 15ml is commonly used where larger matrices are needed, such as dental membrane applications. Many clinics standardize on 10ml and add 15ml for specific workflows.
Do VivaPRP PRF tubes contain any additives?
No. Our PRF tubes are additive-free by design — no anticoagulant, no gel, no coating — allowing natural clotting during centrifugation.
Disclaimer: This article is educational content only and not medical advice. Protocol parameters vary by literature, equipment and tube lot — always confirm settings against your centrifuge and follow applicable regulations and clinical judgment.
VivaPRP manufactures CE-marked PRF tubes under ISO 13485 quality management — sterile, additive-free, individually packed with LOT/EXP dating. For specifications, documentation or wholesale and OEM enquiries, contact our team.