MONDAY, 26 MARCH 2018 / PUBLISHED IN BLOG
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) extraction methods have sparked debate due to varying reliability. Understanding how to select the best PRP kit can resolve these concerns and optimize treatment outcomes.
The Importance of Using a PRP Kit
Merely centrifuging blood in a test tube—often termed "bloody PRP"—is ineffective and may contain excessive red and white blood cells, potentially causing post-injection flare-ups. In contrast, PRP kits can concentrate platelets up to 5-7 times baseline levels, crucial for effective treatment.
Characteristics of a Good PRP Kit
Choosing the right PRP kit hinges on its ability to control platelet concentrations and eliminate unwanted cells, tailored to specific medical conditions.
Gel Separators
Kits with gel separators separate blood components via osmosis, retaining plasma and platelets while removing red and white blood cells. This method achieves modest platelet concentrations.
Buffy Coat
PRP kits that feature a buffy coat layer offer higher platelet concentrations (5-7 times baseline). The buffy coat, composed of platelets and white blood cells, is separated from red blood cells to minimize contamination.
Buffy Coat with Double Spin
Optimal for PRP quality, this kit further purifies the buffy coat by eliminating red blood cells through a second spin. This results in highly concentrated PRP with minimal red blood cell presence.
Biosafe Kit
Regarded as one of the best on the market, the Biosafe kit provides precise control over PRP production. It yields approximately 10cc of product, which can be double-spun for optimal platelet concentration. Users can customize the final product by choosing the inclusion or exclusion of red blood cells.
Understanding Leukocyte-Poor PRP
Leukocyte-poor PRP excludes white blood cells, which some believe may trigger inflammation and hinder growth factors. However, others argue that leukocytes are crucial for healing responses, promoting tissue regeneration and enhanced growth factor presence.
Choosing Filters for Leukocyte Reduction
To achieve leukocyte-poor PRP, practitioners can utilize Leukocyte Reduction (LR) filters like the CIF-LR filter, which efficiently separates white blood cells via electrostatic attraction. This ensures minimal clogging and filters out up to 99.99% of white blood cells.
Supporting Evidence for PRP
Despite skepticism, PRP’s efficacy is backed by extensive scientific research spanning decades and over 6000 studies. Patient willingness to pay out-of-pocket further underscores its perceived effectiveness, highlighting its growing popularity despite insurance coverage limitations.
Conclusion: Integrating PRP Into Practice
Choosing the right PRP kit is pivotal for optimizing treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction. With its proven benefits and increasing demand, integrating PRP into your medical practice offers a promising opportunity to enhance patient care and treatment efficacy.
