PRP FAQs

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma?

Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma, also known as PRP, is a high concentration of your own platelets in a small volume of plasma.

How does a provider harvest PRP?

Step 1: Utilizing a specialized blood collection tube from the Eclipse PRP® kit, a practitioner draws a small amount of blood similar to what is required for a basic lab test.

Step 2: The tube is then placed into a centrifuge which spins the blood at a very high speed, causing the platelets to separate from the other components of the blood.

Step 3: Once the platelets are concentrated into the plasma they can be applied to the patient. Activation causes platelets to release essential growth factors and signaling proteins, which are responsible for the wound-healing process.

What are the growth factors and effects of Platelet Rich Plasma?

Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)
Promotes angiogenesis, which is the physiological process involving the synthesis of new blood vessels.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)
An important signaling protein involved in both angiogenesis, promoting the growth of blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature.

Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF)
Promotes angiogenesis, granulation, and epithelialization.

Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF)
Attracts macrophages and fibroblasts to the application site. Promotes collagen growth and proteoglycan synthesis and the formation of the extracellular mix, also known as fibrin mesh.

Interleukins, Macrophages, Keratinocytes, Endothelial Cells, Lymphocytes, Fibroblasts, Osteoblasts, Basophils, Mast Cells
Activates fibroblast differentiation. Induces collagen and proteoglycan synthesis for healthy cell production and repair of damaged tissues.

Collagen Stimulating Growth Factor
Stimulates granulocyte and macrophage proliferation for the growth of healthy tissue and blood cells.

Keratinocyte Growth Factor (KGF)
Keratinocyte migration, differentiation, and proliferations may optimize conditions.

How long does the PRP process take?

With the Eclipse PRP® kit, the blood draw takes just a couple of minutes, followed immediately by a 10-minute centrifugation. The time involved in the application varies based on which procedure is being performed.

How many PRP sessions are required?

Your medical professional can create a treatment plan based on your individual needs.

Can a PRP procedure be painful?

Eclipse PRP® is close to a physiologic pH, which means the product is less likely to cause a stinging or burning sensation. There may be some temporary discomfort or possible redness and inflammation at the application site. It is recommended you consult with your health care provider.

Is PRP safe?

Since the autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is produced from a patient’s own blood, there is minimized risk of an allergic reaction or rejection. Please refer to the Safety section on this page.