Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are not the same. The exact PRP makeup depends on the concentration of platelets, presence of red blood cells, presence of white blood cells, and whether the platelet is activated to release the Growth hormones and other healing property hormones.
Studies and clinical research show that different types of tissue respond to different types of PRP. Depending on the injury and or the affected area being treated, different PRP types are used. For example, osteoarthritis heals better with a higher concentration of platelets while tendon and ligament respond better to lower concentrations.
Types of PRP
There are 4 general types of PRP preparation: Leukocyte-rich PRP, leukocyte reduced PRP, leukocyte platelet-rich fibrin, and pure platelet-rich fibrin. The concentration of growth factors and efficacy of those growth facts in healing injuries act as a base for the use of PRP in tissue repair.
PRP is classified into these 4 categories based on their fibrin and cell content. Fibrin is involved in the clotting of blood. The cell content determines the number of white blood cells present in the PRP extraction. The 4 different “families” of products provide different biological and mechanical duties – making obvious differences for clinical treatments.
How is it Made?
Platelet-rich plasma is made by taking a blood sample from the person and putting it into a centrifuge. The centrifugation process is designed to separate platelet rich plasma from the blood sample by spinning the sample at very high speeds. The spinning causes the blood to separate into four layers:
- Platelet-Poor Plasma
- Platelet-Rich-Plasma
- White blood cells and platelets
- Red blood cells
Once centrifugation is complete, the vial is prepared for the injection. Differences in speed and time of the centrifugation process affects the composition of the PRP. Using a validated and clinic tested centrifugation protocol is one of the key factors to a favorable outcome.
Some doctors will mix additives into the platelet-rich plasma. The additives, thrombin and calcium chloride, activate the platelets, enhancing the healing properties.
If you are interested in learning more about this type of treatment and if it can help your arthritis pain, get in touch with the team at Arthritis VIP today.
