Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) are platelet concentrates made of autologous blood in a small volume of plasma.

Today, even after three decades of Platelet-Rich Plasma applications in various medical fields, there is yet to be a universally-accepted, exact definition for what PRP is. 

We believe the main cause for this unfortunate fact seem to be the nonexistence of an International Regulatory Body on the subject matter.

For example, there are currently many misinformed Physicians and Medical Practitioners in the world that believe any volume of enriched platelets can be considered as PRP; but research indicates otherwise. 

Common range for platelet count in blood is anywhere between 150,000 and 450,000 per microliter of blood (with an average of about 200,000/µl).  Furthermore, based on effective bone and soft tissue healing enhancement treatments, Medical Professionals conclude that a minimum 1,000,000 platelets/µl count must be obtained.  It is also concluded that any concentrations below this count cannot improve wound healing; nor has any concentration above this count indicated any further improvement the healing process.

Double Centrifugation

To truly be able to separate and concentrate platelets, the PRP device that is used by the PRP Practitioners must include in its preparation procedure a double centrifugation technique!  The reason is that in the first centrifugation, red bloods cells will separate from platelet-contained plasma, the white blood cells and the growth factors.  It is only because of the second centrifugation that platelets are finely separated from the white blood cells together with a few red blood cells from the plasma. True PRP is produced only during this second spin, which separates it from the platelet poor plasma (PPP), free from the obstruction provided by a large number of red blood cells.

To attempt PRP with a single spin would not produce a true PRP. Instead, it would produce a mixture of PRP and PPP and have disappointingly low platelet counts.

Ultimately, regardless of the rate of centrifugation or the time of centrifugation, a single spin cannot adequately concentrate platelets, because the red blood cells will interfere with the fine separation of the platelets.

Aramed Global

Dr A.G