What is Platelet Rich Plasma?
Sometimes referred to as autologous Platelet Rich Plasma (meaning using patient’s own blood). Blood typically contains 6% platelets whereas PRP has a significantly increased supra-physiological platelet concentration.
Platelet Rich Plasma is a small volume of plasma, in which proteins, cytokines, red –and white blood cells, and concentrated platelet are suspended (4-7 times, when compared to native levels). Platelet level can vary depending on the method of extraction and equipment, studies have shown that clinical benefit can be obtained if the PRP used has an increased platelet concentration of 4x greater than normal blood.
Normal blood contains around 150,000 to 450,000 platelets/microliter, therapeutic PRP should contain 1.0million platelet/microliter.
When applied to a tissue, or injury sites, it induces tissue regeneration through multiple pathways, like platelet growth factor release and cell mediating cytokines.
Platelet must be activated at the level of tissue injury in order for the PRP graft to be successful. During activation the platelet successfully releases their content and begins the healing cascade of events that leads to the restoration and growth of normal collagen. Wound healing or collagen repair can be separated into three separate phases or stages (inflammation, proliferation and remodeling).