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AIMS To compare levels and activity of the growth factors between fresh and lyophilized platelet-rich plasma (PRP). METHODS Analysis of platelet concentration using fibroblast and human umbilical vein endothelial cell cultures were compared between fresh and lyophilized PRP obtained from peripheral blood. RESULTS After lyophilization, 54% of platelets were intact whereas the fresh showed no aggregation with agonists (levels under 20%). The concentration of growth factors (VEGF, EGF, TGF-β and PDGF) in both products were similar. Fresh and lyophilized PRPs induced proliferation in the fibroblasts at 24 h (0.303 vs 0.300, respectively). CONCLUSION Lyophilized PRP appears to be an alternative to fresh PRP and the results evidenced the role of growth factors as a key element in the activity of this product.