Whole Blood Processing Using the Buffy-Coat Method

Blood components can be prepared from whole blood either using the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) method or buffy-coat (BC) method. The use of these two whole blood processing methods varies greatly between countries. The PRP method is used in Korea, while the BC method is used in Europe. On the other hand, the BC method with the automated device is being used more widely in many countries. Only a few countries still use the PRP method for whole blood processing, with Korea remaining among them. The choice of the use of a specific whole blood processing method should consider all aspects of safety, quality, and efficiency as well as process costs. This review summarizes the existing information on PRP and BC methods for whole blood processing, particularly comparing both methods. (Korean J Blood Transfus 2020;31:201-210)