Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a therapeutic solution derived from a patient’s own blood, concentrated with platelets. These platelets contain numerous growth factors and proteins that play a significant role in tissue repair and regeneration. Once prepared through centrifugation, PRP’s effectiveness becomes time-sensitive; its therapeutic properties diminish if not used promptly.
Immediate Effectiveness Window
After centrifugation, PRP is optimal for immediate use, typically within minutes to a few hours. Protocols recommend administering PRP right after its preparation to ensure the highest concentration and activity of its beneficial components. This short window is due to platelet activation and the subsequent release of growth factors. Platelets, once separated and concentrated, begin to activate. While this initial activation is desired, prolonged exposure outside the body can lead to excessive activation and degradation of these factors.
Platelet viability also plays a role. Platelets are living cells, and their integrity and function can degrade over time outside their natural environment. Using PRP promptly ensures that the platelets are still robust and capable of releasing their full complement of healing proteins. Delaying administration risks a decrease in the concentration and potency of these growth factors, potentially leading to suboptimal treatment outcomes.
Factors Affecting Viability
Several factors influence how long PRP remains viable and effective after it has been spun. Storage temperature is a significant consideration; PRP should ideally be used within 8 hours of centrifugation if stored at room temperature, although it can be stored for up to 24 hours without affecting platelet counts. PRP should not be refrigerated, as colder temperatures negatively impact platelet viability and function.
The specific preparation method, including the type of centrifuge and centrifugation protocol (speed and duration), impacts the quality and longevity of the PRP. Double-spin methods can yield higher concentrations of platelets. The presence of anticoagulants, such as ACD-A, is important for maintaining platelet integrity and preventing premature activation during the preparation process. Exposure to light and the initial quality and concentration of the patient’s platelets contribute to viability.
Why Timely Use Matters
The importance of using PRP promptly after spinning stems from the need to maximize its therapeutic efficacy. If not administered within its optimal window, growth factors degrade and platelet viability decreases, significantly reducing its healing properties. Administering degraded PRP may lead to less effective or even suboptimal treatment outcomes, as the biological signals for tissue repair and regeneration may not be strong enough. Therefore, strict adherence to clinical protocols for PRP preparation and immediate administration is emphasized. This ensures that patients receive the full benefit of the treatment, harnessing the freshest and most potent concentration of their own healing factors to support recovery.