- PRP Systems Are Not All the Same: Dr. Ohlson answers a definitive "no" to whether all Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is identical. There are numerous manufacturers on the market, resulting in significant variability in how the PRP is harvested and processed.
- The Platelet Threshold Matters: One of the primary differences between systems is the number of platelets they can generate. Current scientific literature indicates that falling below a threshold of 3.5 billion platelets makes patient outcomes less predictable, whereas exceeding this number yields much more favorable results.
- How to Increase Platelets: There are two main ways to ensure a therapeutic dosage:
- Volume of blood drawn: Taking a larger initial blood sample. For example, Dr. Ohlson’s office draws 60 cc's of blood to yield roughly 10 billion platelets. If a provider only takes 20 cc's or less, it becomes difficult to reach the effective 3.5 billion threshold.
- System efficiency: Using a high-quality processing system that is highly effective at concentrating the blood and extracting as many platelets as possible.
- Other Variables: Dr. Ohlson notes that there are other ongoing debates and complexities within regenerative medicine regarding PRP—such as the role of specific proteins, whether the PRP is leukocyte-rich or leukocyte-poor, and whether the platelets are pre-activated—but emphasizes concentration and blood volume as foundational baseline factors.
He advises patients considering PRP therapy to ask their healthcare provider how much blood will be drawn and how many platelets their specific system is capable of delivering.