PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Therapy
What is platelet-rich plasma?
Platelet-rich plasma consists of two elements: plasma, or the liquid portion of blood, and platelets, a type of blood cell that plays an important role in healing throughout the body. Platelets are well-known for their clotting abilities, but they also contain growth factors that can trigger cell reproduction and stimulate tissue regeneration or healing in the treated area. Platelet-rich plasma is simply blood that contains more platelets than normal.
To create platelet-rich plasma, clinicians take a blood sample from the patient and place it into a device called a centrifuge that rapidly spins the sample, separating out the other components of the blood from the platelets and concentrating them within the plasma.
What is a PRP injection?
After creating platelet-rich plasma from a patient’s blood sample, that solution is injected into the target area, such as an injured knee or a tendon. In some cases, the clinician may use ultrasound to guide the injection. The idea is to increase the concentration of specific bioproteins or hormones, called growth factors, in a specific area to accelerate the healing process.
The mechanism behind PRP injections is not completely understood. Studies show that the increased concentration of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma may stimulate or speed up the healing process, shortening healing time for injuries, decreasing pain and even encouraging hair growth.
Patient information
Before the examination read the below, and if any of the points apply, please inform your doctor and examination team if any of the following apply to you:
- Do you have any allergies (e.g. hay fever, asthma), hypersensitivity against medication, food, plasters, local anaesthetics?
- Do you have any of the following diseases?
- malignant blood diseases
- overactive thyroid
- increased tendency to bleed
- heart disease
- diabetes (diabetes mellitus)
- kidney disease
- gout
- infectious diseases (e.g. hepatitis, HIV)
- Have you ever suffered from seizures or paralysis before?
- Do you have a previous intolerance to plasters, latex, medications, iodine, contrast media or any foods?
- Do you regularly take medication such as: Mercumar, Falithrom, Aspirin, Plavix, Heparin, Eliquis, Pradaxa, Lixiana, cardiovascular medication, any painkillers, anti-diabetic drugs, sleeping pills and / or sedatives, hormone preparations)?
Before your PRP examination please note:
Do not eat any solid food for at least 3 hours before your examination. You can consume drinks such as mineral water or sweetened tea but all other drinks and food will interfere with the process.
After your PRP examination please note: