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Specialist article for medical users
What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?
A blood draw, a tube, a centrifuge. PRP may sound technically simple. In daily practice, however, the entire workflow determines how reproducibly platelet-rich plasma can be prepared.
Definition
What does Platelet-Rich Plasma mean?
Platelet-Rich Plasma, or PRP, means plasma rich in platelets. It is a plasma fraction obtained from venous autologous blood by centrifugation and may contain a higher platelet concentration than whole blood.
Platelets are not only relevant for blood clotting. They carry various signaling molecules and growth factors, including PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF, EGF, IGF and FGF. These factors are associated with cell communication, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix processes and local repair responses.
Important: biological plausibility is not the same as a guaranteed clinical outcome. PRP should be assessed by indication and explained professionally.
Workflow
How is PRP prepared?
The basic principle is clear. In practice, however, relevant differences arise as soon as tube type, anticoagulant, rotor, centrifugal force and collection technique vary.
Blood draw
Venous autologous blood is collected into suitable PRP tubes. Fill volume and the ratio to the anticoagulant should follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Centrifugation
The blood components are separated by a defined relative centrifugal force. RCF, or g-force, is more meaningful than RPM alone.
Fractionation
Plasma, platelet fraction, leukocyte components and erythrocytes are separated differently depending on system and protocol.
Application
The obtained plasma fraction is used after medical indication, patient information and in compliance with hygiene standards.
PRP is not a standardized finished preparation. It is an autologous blood product whose composition is influenced by patient, material and processing.
Technique
Why RCF matters more than RPM alone
Many practice protocols state only a rotation speed. Technically, that is imprecise. RPM describes revolutions per minute. The actual separation force also depends on rotor radius. That is why the same RPM value in two centrifuges can lead to different results.
RPM
Describes only the rotational speed. Without rotor radius, the value is only partly suitable for transfer to other centrifuges.
RCF
Describes the relative centrifugal force. This g-value is much more meaningful for reproducible PRP protocols.
Rotor
Fixed-angle and swing-out rotors create different separation patterns. Suitable adapters and inserts are also relevant.
PRP types
PRP is not always the same PRP
Different forms of PRP are described in the literature. The leukocyte content and whether PRP is used activated or non-activated are particularly relevant.
Leukocyte-poor PRP
Often discussed when a low additional inflammatory response is desired, for example in certain intra-articular or aesthetic protocols.
Leukocyte-rich PRP
Contains more white blood cells. Immunological and pro-inflammatory effects are assessed differently depending on tissue and clinical question.
PRP, PRF and plasma gel
PRP differs from PRF and plasma gel. PRF is usually prepared without anticoagulant and forms a fibrin-rich matrix more quickly. Plasma gel follows its own thermal process.
Evidence
What does current evidence say about PRP?
The evidence varies by indication. Serious communication must therefore differentiate instead of presenting PRP as a general solution for very different complaints.
Knee osteoarthritis
In 2024, Oeding et al. described signals of benefit of PRP compared with selected alternative injection therapies in a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized studies. At the same time, protocol heterogeneity remains a key issue. A 2026 AAPM&R guidance names PRP for mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis as a possible option in selected patients after conservative care.
Tendinopathies
For tendon complaints, the data remain mixed. There are positive signals for some locations, while newer assessments for Achilles tendinopathy remain cautious. Tissue, stage, rehabilitation and PRP protocol all influence interpretation.
Aesthetic dermatology
Reviews by Asubiaro and Avajah as well as Cruciani et al. describe PRP as an investigated procedure in the context of skin quality, acne scars, facial rejuvenation and combined treatment protocols. In practice, this means no outcome promises, but individual information and clean indication setting.
Trichology
Yuan et al. evaluated randomized studies on PRP in female hair loss in 2024. The data indicate possible changes in individual hair parameters. Broad statements such as a guaranteed stop to hair loss would be professionally and legally too far-reaching.
Material choice
Why PRP tubes influence more than the blood draw
The quality of PRP preparation does not start in the centrifuge. It starts with the tube. Material, wall thickness, vacuum, additives, separation gel, sterility and rotor compatibility influence how stable and reproducible the process is.
The often underestimated point: blood volume and anticoagulant
Many PRP tubes are designed for a defined fill volume. If a tube is clearly underfilled, the ratio between blood and anticoagulant can shift. This can affect clotting behavior, separation quality and plasma quality.
- check suitable intended purpose and CE marking
- follow the manufacturer’s instructions for fill volume and centrifugation
- document RCF value instead of RPM only
- consider tube, centrifuge, rotor and adapters as one system
The relevant quality question is not only: how many platelets does the PRP contain? It is also: how controlled was the fraction obtained?
Standardization
Biological variability meets mechanical variability
PRP is biologically variable because blood count, platelet count, medication, hydration and individual factors can play a role. At the same time, preparation is mechanically variable because RCF, rotor, tubes and collection technique can differ.
This interface is exactly why process control matters. A practice offering PRP should not only describe the treatment protocol, but also document the technical preparation process.
Documentation
Tube type, batch, fill volume, RCF, runtime and centrifuge should be documented in a traceable way.
Compatibility
Tubes must match the rotor, adapters and intended centrifugation.
Regulatory context
CE marking, intended purpose, MDR context and manufacturer information should be checked before use.
Hygiene
Sterile single-use products, aseptic handling and traceability are central elements of the workflow.
Risks and limitations
PRP is autologous, but not risk-free
Obtaining PRP from autologous blood reduces certain immunological risks, but it does not make an invasive procedure automatically harmless. Blood draw, preparation and use are subject to medical, hygiene and regulatory requirements.
Possible reactions
Pain, pressure sensation, hematomas, temporary swelling or vasovagal reactions may occur.
Hygiene risks
Any procedure involving skin penetration carries an infection risk. Sterile material and correct preparation are not negotiable.
Outcome limits
An insufficient or absent effect is possible. PRP does not replace diagnostics or medical indication setting.
Contraindications and relative exclusion criteria may include acute infections, relevant coagulation disorders, certain hematological diseases or unsuitable medication. Assessment belongs in medical hands.
Practice check
What should a practice clarify before introducing PRP?
Medical questions
- For which indications should PRP be used?
- What evidence exists for this exact question?
- Which patients are not suitable?
- How are information and documentation implemented?
Technical questions
- Which centrifuge and which rotor are used?
- Which RCF value is actually reached?
- Which PRP tubes fit the workflow?
- How is the desired plasma fraction collected?
Regulatory questions
- What intended purpose do tubes and accessories have?
- Is suitable CE marking available?
- Are hygiene, batch traceability and single use regulated?
- Are internal work instructions and training documented?
Short summary
PRP briefly classified
Platelet-Rich Plasma is platelet-rich plasma from autologous blood. It contains concentrated platelets that, after activation, can release growth factors and other signaling molecules. PRP is medically interesting because these signaling molecules are involved in cell communication, matrix remodeling and local tissue response.
Clinical evidence depends strongly on the indication. For mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, the data basis is stronger than for many other fields of use. PRP is also investigated in aesthetic dermatology, trichology and tendon complaints, but protocols and results are more heterogeneous.
For professional users, the practical point remains: PRP is only as standardizable as the workflow behind it. Tubes, anticoagulant, RCF value, centrifuge, collection technique and documentation belong together.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Platelet-Rich Plasma
What is Platelet-Rich Plasma?
Platelet-Rich Plasma is platelet-rich plasma obtained from autologous blood. Centrifugation separates blood components so that a plasma fraction with increased platelet concentration can be obtained.
How is PRP prepared?
PRP is prepared by blood draw, centrifugation and collection of the desired plasma fraction. Suitable PRP tubes, a matching anticoagulant, correct centrifuge settings and clean collection technique are important for reproducible workflows.
What are PRP tubes used for?
PRP tubes are used for blood collection and the preparation of platelet-rich plasma. Depending on the product, they may contain anticoagulant, separation gel or no additives. The selection must fit the protocol, centrifuge and intended purpose.
Is PRP scientifically supported?
The evidence depends on the indication. For knee osteoarthritis, several randomized studies and meta-analyses show positive signals, but also methodological limitations. In aesthetic dermatology, hair applications and tendinopathies, the evidence is more heterogeneous.
Why is RCF more important than RPM?
RPM describes only rotational speed. RCF describes the actual centrifugal force and also depends on rotor radius. Therefore, the same RPM value in different centrifuges can lead to different separation patterns.
Professional note: This article is for specialist information and does not replace individual medical advice, diagnostics, indication setting or training. PRP applications belong in the hands of qualified medical users and must follow applicable legal, hygiene and product-specific requirements.
