Table 5 Summary of key pre-analytical recommendations about centrifugation

Centrifugation

Use a temperature-controlled centrifuge for processing routine coagulation assays.

Validate the centrifuge before use, every 6 months or after modifications, in order to assure that platelet-poor plasma (PPP) is achieved.

Check the absence of vibration (during acceleration/deceleration processes) due to lack of centrifuge maintenance.

Centrifuge the primary tube for coagulation testing at 1500g, 15 min

In case of emergency, for PT, APTT and fibrinogen performed on fresh plasma, higher centrifugation force (greater than 1500g) and shorter time (less than 10 min) can be used.

The preparation of PPP require a double centrifugation to obtain a residual platelet count lower than 10x10⁹/L.

Following initial centrifugation, transfer carefully the plasma to a nonactivating plastic centrifuge tube using an automatic pipette, and then centrifuged again for about 15 min.

The preparation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for platelet function analysis requires a centrifugation performed at 200–250 g for 10 min without application of a rotor brake.