Glossary

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta)

TGF-beta, transforming growth factor beta, is a signalling protein released by platelets and one of the standard endpoints when centrifugation protocols are compared. Its concentration does not track platelet count in a straight line, which is part of why spinning harder does not simply produce a better product.

Figure

A spun sample

PLASMA about 55% of the column BUFFY COAT platelets and leukocytes. about 1%. Drawn to scale. This is the whole target. RED CELLS densest fraction. sediments first. CENTRIFUGAL FORCE

Figure. Nearly every term in this glossary is, in the end, a fact about what happens inside this tube.

See also