Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) has found applications in dermatology for wound healing, trichology, and aesthetics. Despite its extensive use, confusion persists regarding terminology, classification, and characterization of platelet concentrates.
Diverse protocols exist for PRP preparation, often needing more accurate product characterization in articles. The high cost of commercial PRP kits limits their accessibility to a broader population, posing challenges in widespread adoption.
Plasmolifting World is a team of researchers in this field who have worked in this field since 2003. You may visit their website at https://plasmolifting.shop/de/14-plasmolifting-prp-roehrchen to get more information.
What is Platelet-rich Plasma?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) concentrates platelets at least five times above baseline in plasma, showing promise in tissue repair for musculoskeletal issues. It is explored for:
- Chondral lesions
- Tendinopathies
- Muscle strains
- Bone repair.
PRP’s therapeutic potential relies on growth factors within platelet granules, like TGF-β, VEGF, and PDGF, known for their tissue repair roles. Activated platelets release factors at concentrations three to five times that found in plasma, enhancing their effectiveness in promoting healing.
Preparation of PRP
PRP is derived from a patient’s blood sample, usually obtained through a 30-cc venous blood draw, resulting in 3-5 cc of PRP. Adding an anticoagulant like citrate dextrose A is crucial to prevent platelet activation before PRP application.
The actual PRP yield can vary based on the individual’s platelet count, device, and technique.
Principles of PRP preparation
PRP is typically prepared using differential centrifugation, which adjusts the acceleration force to separate specific cellular components based on their specific gravity.
There are multiple methods for preparing PRP, including the PRP and buffy-coat methods. These methods aim to isolate platelet-rich Plasma for various medical applications.
1. PRP method
- Use acid-citrate dextrose (ACD) tubes to get WB.
- Never cool the blood before or while the platelets are separating.
- ‘Soft’ spinning should be used to centrifuge the blood.
- Place the platelet-containing supernatant plasma in a different sterile tube (devoid of anticoagulant).
- To get a platelet concentrate, spin the centrifuge tube more quickly.
- Platelet-poor Plasma (PPP) makes up the mixture’s upper 2/3 and PRP is the lower 1/3. Platelet pellets will develop at the bottom of the tube.
- Remove PPP, then gently shake the tube to suspend the platelet pellets in 2-4 mL of minimal plasma.
2. Buffy coat method
- Before centrifuging, WB should be held between 20°C to 24°C.
- Centrifuging of the WB must be done at ‘High’ speed .
- Due to its density, three layers are created: a bottom layer of RBCs, a middle layer of platelets and WBCs, and a top layer of PPP.
- Supernatant plasma should be removed from the container’s top.
- The buffy-coat layer should be transferred to another sterile tube.
- To separate WBCs, centrifuge at a low speed or use a leucocyte filtering filter.
Conclusion
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) holds promise in dermatology for healing and aesthetics, yet terminology and standardization challenges persist. Diverse protocols exist for PRP preparation, often lacking characterization, while high costs hinder accessibility.
PRP is derived from venous blood draws, utilizing differential centrifugation techniques. Methods like the PRP and buffy-coat techniques aim to isolate platelet-rich plasma, each with its distinct principles and protocols.