Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) 

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) otherwise known as autologous conditional plasma, is a concentrate of platelet rich plasma protein derived from whole blood. Over the last 2 decades there has been extensive research in this field . PRP has been shown to be a potent long lasting anti-inflammatory agent with superior healing effects. 

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What Is Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP)?

Although blood is mainly a liquid (called plasma), it also contains small solid components (red cells, white cells, and platelets.) The platelets are best known for their importance in clotting blood. However, platelets also contain hundreds of proteins called growth factors which are very important in the healing of injuries.

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PRP is plasma with many more platelets than what is typically found in blood. To develop a PRP preparation, blood must first be drawn from a patient. The platelets are separated from other blood cells and their concentration is increased during a process called centrifugation. 

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Not all PRPs are the same. There are many different extraction systems available on the market with varying levels of effectiveness. Generally speaking, higher concentrations of platelets provide more effective results. At Complete Care Doctors, we use the latest Harvest 2 Smart Prep patented system to achieve platelet concentrations of at least more than 5 times that of whole blood. 

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How Does PRP Work?

Although it is not exactly clear how PRP works, laboratory studies have shown that the increased concentration of growth factors in PRP can potentially speed up the healing process. To speed healing, the injury site is treated with the PRP preparation. For example, in osteoarthritic knees. A mixture of PRP and local anaesthetic can be injected directly into the joint to reduce pain and inflammation. This response is often delayed (1-2 weeks) and sometimes further treatments may be required after 4-6 weeks. 

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If you are interested to find out more information, please make an appointment with one of our doctors to discuss this further on 07 3188 9005 or book online.