Our experience regarding withdraw blood from rats and preparation of platelet-rich plasma

Aim: Withdraw blood from rats is an important, but not easy, invasive procedure in experimental research on these animals. In addition, the preparation and standardization of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a more difficult process in rats. In this study, we presented our experiences about rat blood collection and PRP preparation technique. Methods and Result: This experimental study was performed with ten male Wistar rats weighing 250–300 g. Under anesthesia, the blood was obtained by percutaneous puncture from the right ventricle of the rats. The blood obtained from rats was rapidly transferred to tubes containing anticoagulants such as sodium citrate or acid citrate dextrose solution A. After the first centrifuge, the all plasma was collected by a pipette after a second spin in a sterile tube. As a result of all these processes, PRP at the desired concentration was obtained. Conclusions: Blood withdraw from rats is not an easy method, and when large amounts of blood are required cardiac blood intake is necessary. In order to achieve the therapeutic intensity in PRP preparation, usually a double spin is required and the concentration obtained with the base number of platelets should be compared.