How PRP, PRF, ACP and ACP MAX Differ
PRP, PRF, Arthrex ACP and Arthrex ACP MAX are all autologous platelet preparations, made from a person's own blood. They differ in how the blood is processed. PRP and ACP are platelet-rich plasma preparations. PRF is a fibrin-based preparation. ACP MAX is a PRP preparation using a double-spin process and larger blood volumes.
What does autologous mean?
Autologous means the biological material is derived from your own body. In this context, a blood sample is collected and processed so selected blood components can be used in treatment. The preparation originates from the client's own blood rather than donor material.
Standard PRP
Platelet-rich plasma is an established preparation. Blood is collected and processed in a centrifuge so the platelet-rich portion can be separated from other blood components. At My BioHealth this is a core treatment option and is suitable for many people depending on treatment area, goals and assessment.
Standard PRF
Platelet-rich fibrin is a separate preparation. PRF protocols commonly rely on clotting and fibrin formation, which allows a fibrin matrix to form. The fibrin matrix gives PRF different structural and handling characteristics from PRP.
PRF is not a version of PRP. It is a different preparation, and it is an established option in its own right.
Arthrex ACP
Arthrex ACP is an advanced PRP preparation pathway using genuine Arthrex ACP consumables in a closed double-syringe system. The preparation originates from the client's own blood.
Arthrex ACP MAX
Arthrex describes the ACP MAX system as using a double-spin preparation process and allowing 30 mL, 60 mL or 90 mL of whole blood to be processed for PRP preparation. Larger processing volumes can produce a more concentrated PRP preparation.
Arthrex describes the resulting ACP MAX PRP as depleted of red blood cells and granulocytes, including neutrophils.
These are preparation characteristics described by the manufacturer. They describe how the preparation is produced, not a treatment outcome. ACP MAX is a PRP preparation. It is not PRF.
How preparation methods can differ
PRP and PRF differ in the way the blood is processed and in the characteristics of the resulting preparation. PRF protocols commonly rely on clotting and fibrin formation, while PRP preparation varies according to the collection and processing system used.
Preparations can differ in the processing pathway used, the resulting preparation characteristics, and how the preparation handles during treatment. Those differences are real. What they do not do is establish that one preparation is appropriate for everyone, or that a particular preparation will suit a particular person.
Single-spin and double-spin
A single-spin process separates blood components in one centrifugation stage. A double-spin process adds a second stage, which further concentrates the platelet-rich component.
Double-spin describes a processing method. It does not automatically indicate a better clinical result, and more concentrated does not automatically mean more appropriate for a given treatment area or person.
ACP MAX is not an externally sourced standalone exosome treatment. It prepares autologous platelet-rich plasma from a person's own blood.
Platelet-derived extracellular vesicles, sometimes called exosomes, are biological components associated with platelet signalling. That is a different thing from an externally sourced exosome product. My BioHealth does not market ACP MAX as exosome therapy.
Why preparation method matters
Preparation method matters because PRP is not one identical product across every system. Two clinics can both offer PRP and be producing preparations with different characteristics. Knowing how a preparation is processed is part of understanding what is being offered.
What preparation does not tell you
Preparation technology on its own does not determine whether a treatment is appropriate for you, what result you will see, or which pathway suits your treatment area and goals.
Those depend on individual assessment. An advanced preparation system does not remove the need for that assessment, and it is not a substitute for it.
Questions worth asking any platelet-treatment provider
- What preparation system is used, and what does it produce?
- How is the preparation processed?
- Who performs the treatment, and what are their qualifications?
- How is treatment suitability assessed?
- What aftercare is provided?
- What happens if the treatment is not suitable for me?
These are reasonable questions to ask anywhere, including here.
Common questions
Both are autologous platelet preparations made from your own blood. PRP and PRF differ in the way the blood is processed and in the characteristics of the resulting preparation. PRF protocols commonly rely on clotting and fibrin formation, while PRP preparation varies according to the collection and processing system used.
No. ACP MAX is an Arthrex PRP preparation system. PRF is a separate fibrin-based preparation. They are different preparations and the terms are not interchangeable.
No. ACP MAX prepares autologous platelet-rich plasma from your own blood. It is not an externally sourced exosome product and is not marketed as exosome therapy.
An advanced PRP preparation pathway using genuine Arthrex ACP consumables in a closed double-syringe system. The preparation originates from the client's own blood.
An Arthrex PRP preparation system which Arthrex describes as using a double-spin preparation process and allowing 30 mL, 60 mL or 90 mL of whole blood to be processed for PRP preparation.
No. Standard PRP, Standard PRF, Arthrex ACP and Arthrex ACP MAX each have a distinct place within personalised treatment planning. The option selected can take into account the treatment area, individual goals, suitability, preparation characteristics and budget.
Reviewed by Tanya, Enrolled Nurse (EN), AHPRA registered · Published 15 September 2026 · Last updated 15 September 2026
My BioHealth services are delivered within nursing scope of practice. Individual results vary and are not guaranteed. This page is general information only and does not replace individual medical advice.