When selecting PRP tubes, not only the question of whether or not to use separation gel plays a key role, but also the material of the tube. Glass or plastic – both are available on the market, but their differences directly impact the quality of the extracted plasma. It is therefore important for medical users to know which material is best suited for the respective application – and why high-quality glass tubes are clearly the better choice in many cases .
What is the difference between glass and plastic tubes?
Plastic tubes are usually made of PET or polypropylene and are considered particularly lightweight, impact-resistant, and cost-effective. They can be produced in large quantities, are often equipped with a separating gel, and are widely used. Glass tubes, on the other hand, are usually made of medical-grade borosilicate glass, which is chemically and heat-resistant, and very precisely processed. While plastic is more functional and economical, glass focuses on purity, inertness, and stability.
The decisive advantage of glass: reaction neutrality
Glass is inert – it doesn't react with blood components. This is a crucial advantage when extracting PRP, as plastic can, in rare cases, interact with individual blood components (e.g., platelets or plasma proteins). Such adverse reactions can impair the activity of growth factors or reduce their concentration. This difference should not be underestimated, especially in aesthetic medicine, where maximum effectiveness counts. Glass guarantees the highest purity and protects the valuable components of the plasma.
More cell concentration, less losses
Studies and practical experience show that processing in glass tubes tends to result in higher concentrations of platelets and growth factors. Cell adhesion to plastic walls can result in valuable components remaining in the tube or being lost. Glass, on the other hand, offers a smooth, non-stick surface that allows for complete removal of the prepared PRP— a clear advantage for users who want to work with maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
Safety, hygiene and sustainability
Glass also performs better in terms of sterility and environmental aspects: It is heat-sterilizable, fully recyclable, and free of plasticizers such as BPA or phthalates, which can be found in some plastics. This is an important criterion for patients with sensitive skin, allergies, or high biocompatibility requirements. Those who value the highest standards and sustainability consciously choose glass.
Are there any disadvantages to glass?
The biggest disadvantage of glass tubes is their sensitivity to mechanical influences. They can break if handled improperly, requiring caution in everyday practice. They are also generally somewhat more expensive than plastic tubes – although this additional cost is more than justified by the superior quality of the PRP. Those who place uncompromising emphasis on quality will benefit from glass.
When does plastic still make sense?
Plastic tubes are appropriate where cost reduction, shatter resistance, and ease of handling are important—for example, in training courses, mass applications, or simple applications with low PRP requirements. However, for high-quality medical-aesthetic treatments where purity and efficacy are paramount, glass is clearly the superior choice.
Conclusion
Choosing the right material for PRP tubes directly influences the quality of the plasma collected. While plastic offers practical advantages, glass excels with its chemical neutrality, higher cell availability, maximum biocompatibility, and sustainability. For those who demand the highest standards in their PRP application, there's no alternative to high-quality glass tubes – they stand for safety, quality, and the best results.
