Platelet-Rich Plasma
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a treatment that utilizes a concentration of a patient's own blood cells to accelerate healing in a particular area.
What is PRP?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Blood is made up of several components, including plasma (the liquid part) and red and white blood cells. Platelets are also present in blood and are known for their role in clotting. However, platelets also contain proteins called growth factors that are essential for healing tissues. PRP is essentially plasma with a much higher concentration of platelets than what's normally found in blood.
How is PRP made?
To create PRP, a healthcare professional will first draw a patient's blood. The blood is then spun in a centrifuge, a machine that separates fluids based on density. This process concentrates the platelets in the plasma, creating PRP. The concentrated PRP is then injected into the injured or diseased area of the body.