How Rich is Platelet Rich Plasma? A Simple Preparation Method of PRP and Its Quality According to Various Classification Systems

Background: platelets are a rich source of various growth factors and hence platelet rich plasma (PRP) is being used therapeutically in the field of dermatology, orthopaedics and dentistry with promising results. However, methods of preparation of PRP vary with many commercial kits also available. Scoring systems like DEPA score, PAW system and sports medicine criteria score help in determining the quality of the final product and guide therapy. Here we test a simple two step method for preparation of PRP and score it according to the abovementioned criteria while comparing it with the commercial kits analysed in literature. Methods: 10 ml whole blood was collected in 1.5 ml ACD solution from 100 healthy willing participants and analysed for platelet concentration. Sample was then centrifuged at 1600 rpm X 4 minutes in a calibrated laboratory centrifuge and supernatant was collected in a sterile tube using a sterile syringe. The supernatant was further concentrated for platelets by centrifuging at 3600 rpm X 10 minutes to form a platelet pellet at the bottom. All but 1 ml supernatant (Platelet deficient plasma) was discarded and the platelet pellet was suspended again to form platelet rich plasma. Platelet count was estimated in this sample as done with the whole blood sample. The results were compared and analysed using statistical methods to determine the efficacy of concentrating platelets by this method. Results: The tested method gave a final concentration of more than four times the baseline concentration with approximately 30% efficiency of capture and 80% purity. This was comparable to majority of the commercial systems tested in literature at a fraction of the cost. The scores according to various classification systems were determined and reported. Conclusion: Every platelet rich plasma prepared for therapeutic purposes should be classified according to any of the available scoring systems to determine its suitability for the purpose and to maintain uniformity in the quality of the product. The proposed two step method of preparation yields satisfactory quality of PRP by utilizing services of a basic laboratory at a fraction of the cost of commercial systems thereby enabling smaller medical institutions to utilize PRP therapy.