PRF Tubes: The Complete Guide to Platelet-Rich Fibrin Collection

Educational content only. Not medical advice. Consult a licensed practitioner for clinical decisions.

What Are PRF Tubes?

PRF tubes (platelet-rich fibrin collection tubes) are sterile, single-use blood collection tubes designed to prepare platelet-rich fibrin — a dense fibrin scaffold rich in platelets, leukocytes and growth factors. Unlike PRP tubes, PRF tubes contain no anticoagulant: blood is allowed to clot naturally during a low-speed centrifugation, and the resulting fibrin matrix is used directly in the procedure.

VivaPRP is a manufacturer-direct supplier of CE-certified PRF tubes in PET, available in 10ml, 12ml and 15ml sizes, individually packaged, with production (LOT) and expiry (EXP) dates printed on every label. Whether you are comparing prf tubes platelet rich fibrin tube options or searching for a prf tube that fits your protocol, this guide covers tube types, centrifugation, clinical applications and sourcing.

If you are new to the technique, our complete introduction to PRF tubes walks through the fundamentals in plain language. To compare the two blood-derived systems at a glance, see PRP vs PRF: which tube should you use.

The Fibrin Matrix: Why PRF Differs from PRP

The difference between PRF and PRP comes down to what is inside the tube and what comes out of the centrifuge:

PRF is sometimes described as a "second-generation" platelet concentrate: because no anticoagulant or additive is involved, the product is fully autologous, and the fibrin matrix acts as a natural scaffold that releases growth factors over time. For a deeper comparison of the two systems, our guide to PRP vs PRF tubes covers the clinical reasoning in detail.

PRF Tube Types: i-PRF vs A-PRF vs A-PRF+

PRF protocols are usually described by the centrifuge speed and the tube used. Three families dominate the literature:

These are the parameters most commonly cited in the published literature; always confirm the exact settings against your centrifuge and the tube lot in use. The practical takeaway for tube selection: choose the tube size and material first, then match the published protocol for the PRF family you want to prepare.

Our guide to i-PRF vs A-PRF vs A-PRF+ breaks down each protocol family with typical timings and intended applications. Browse VivaPRP PRF tubes to compare the available sizes.

How to Prepare PRF: Protocol & Centrifugation

Because a PRF tube contains no anticoagulant, timing matters — clotting begins as soon as blood enters the tube. The sequence that produces consistent results:

1. Draw blood into the PRF tube immediately before centrifugation.
2. Centrifuge at the protocol speed for your PRF family (standard PRF ~2,700 rpm / ~12 min; i-PRF ~700 rpm / ~3 min — verify against your equipment).
3. Separate: the fibrin matrix forms between the red-cell layer and the platelet-poor plasma layer.
4. Use or store per protocol: the matrix is transferred directly, or processed further (e.g., pressed into a membrane).

Key handling points: do not delay centrifugation after the draw, keep tubes at room temperature before use, and confirm the tube is within its labelled expiry. PRF tubes fit standard low-speed centrifuge tube holders for 10–15ml tubes — see our PRP & PRF centrifuge collection and the desktop low-speed centrifuge commonly paired with these tubes.

A step-by-step PRF preparation protocol with timing guidance is available in our journal.

Tube Sizes, Materials & Packaging

VivaPRP PRF tubes are manufactured in PET — unbreakable in routine use and the standard choice for PRF workflows:

Each tube carries production (LOT) and expiry (EXP) dates on the label. As with all sterile single-use tubes, freshness matters: vacuum strength and material integrity are validated for the labelled shelf life, and an aged or expired tube should not be used. Confirm rotor compatibility with your centrifuge before ordering, and see our guide to PRP & PRF tube sizes and materials for centrifuge-fit guidance.

Clinical Applications of PRF Tubes

PRF tubes support protocols across several disciplines. The table maps each application to the commonly used PRF family:

Applications are described as used in published protocols — always follow your local regulations and clinical judgment. Our guide to PRF tubes in dentistry covers membrane preparation and the workflows most cited in oral and maxillofacial practice. For PRF vs PRP in aesthetics, the comparison article discusses when each system is typically preferred.

Quality & Certification

When sourcing PRF tubes, verify the same quality signals you would for any blood collection device:

1. CE-marked — the device carries CE marking under the EU medical device framework (we describe our products as CE-marked, the verifiable regulatory signal).
2. Additive-free formulation — the defining characteristic of a PRF tube: no anticoagulant, no additive, fully autologous preparation.
3. Sterile, single-use — individually packed sterile devices, one draw per tube.
4. Label dating — production (LOT) and expiry (EXP) dates printed on every label.
5. Documentation on request — batch records and device documentation available to wholesale and institutional buyers.
6. ISO 13485 manufacturing — VivaPRP's PRF tubes are produced under an ISO 13485 quality management system, the international standard for medical-device manufacturing, covering production, QC and sterilization.

Our CE marking & certification guide explains what the mark does and does not mean, and how to verify a manufacturer's certification lists the documents to request before you commit.

Sourcing PRF Tubes: Wholesale & Bulk

VivaPRP supplies PRF tubes manufacturer-direct — no intermediary markup, direct batch traceability, and a single point of contact for documentation. Clinics and distributors typically start with our wholesale page to review MOQ and tiered pricing, or the bulk 500-piece PRF tube pack for immediate volume. OEM and private-label options are available for brands through our OEM service.

On bulk orders we can confirm the remaining shelf life before you commit, and every shipment carries full LOT/EXP documentation. Our supplier checklist for sourcing PRP & PRF tubes covers the questions worth asking any manufacturer.

FAQ

1. What is a PRF tube used for?

A PRF tube is a sterile, single-use blood collection tube used to prepare platelet-rich fibrin. Blood is drawn into the tube and centrifuged without anticoagulant, producing a fibrin matrix rich in platelets and leukocytes for use in dental, aesthetic and regenerative protocols.

2. What is the difference between PRF and PRP tubes?

PRP tubes contain an anticoagulant and produce a liquid platelet concentrate. PRF tubes contain no anticoagulant — the blood clots during centrifugation and produces a solid fibrin matrix. The choice depends on the protocol and the clinical application.

3. What is the difference between i-PRF and A-PRF?

i-PRF (injectable/liquid PRF) is prepared at low speed (~700 rpm / ~3 min) and remains liquid for injection. A-PRF and A-PRF+ (advanced PRF) use lower speeds than standard PRF (~1,300–1,500 rpm) to preserve more cells in a softer matrix. Settings vary by literature and equipment — always verify against your centrifuge.

4. Do PRF tubes contain anticoagulants or additives?

No. The defining characteristic of a PRF tube is its additive-free formulation — no anticoagulant, no gel, no additives — which allows natural clotting during centrifugation.

5. What size PRF tube should I use?

VivaPRP PRF tubes are available in 10ml, 12ml and 15ml. 10ml covers most injectable and aesthetic protocols; 15ml is commonly used where larger membranes are needed, such as dental applications.

6. Are VivaPRP PRF tubes CE-marked and sterile?

Yes — our PRF tubes are CE-marked medical devices, sterile and single-use, individually packed, with production (LOT) and expiry (EXP) dates on every label.

7. How long do PRF tubes last?

Each tube carries a labelled expiry date — check the EXP on the label before use and store boxes in a cool, dry place at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Do not use tubes beyond their expiry.

8. Can I order PRF tubes in bulk or with my own label?

Yes — we offer wholesale and bulk pricing (including 500-piece packs) as well as OEM and private-label manufacturing for clinics, distributors and brands.

Related Reading

• PRP Tubes: The Complete Guide — the PRP tube pillar page
• PRP Kits: Components, Selection & Supplier Guide — complete collection systems
• PRP vs PRF: which tube should you use — the bridge article between the two pillars
• What are PRF tubes · i-PRF vs A-PRF vs A-PRF+ · PRF preparation protocol · PRF in dentistry
• PRP Tubes & Kits FAQ — common questions across both product lines

Educational content only. Not medical advice. Consult a licensed practitioner for clinical decisions.