What Is Platelet Rich Plasma? | Physician's Guide to PRP

What Is Platelet Rich Plasma? | Physician's Guide to PRP

Aug 22, 2025

Oscar Tellez

What Is Platelet Rich Plasma? A Physician’s Perspective on PRP Use in Practice

As clinicians, we constantly revisit familiar questions from a deeper perspective. One of the most fundamental in regenerative care is: what is platelet rich plasma, really?

For years, PRP has been lumped into the “alternative” or “unconventional” category. But with newer biologic insights, standardized kits, and more consistent outcomes, PRP is now moving into the clinical mainstream—especially in orthopedics, sports medicine, and pain management.

This article offers a no-hype, clinician-centered look at platelet rich plasma, what it does, how it’s prepared, and where it fits in a modern treatment plan.

What Is Platelet Rich Plasma—Biologically and Clinically?

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrated portion of autologous blood that contains a higher-than-baseline level of platelets suspended in plasma. This plasma also carries important signaling molecules—growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles—that regulate inflammation, tissue repair, and angiogenesis.

In a healthy body, platelets rush to the site of injury and release these factors to initiate healing. PRP injections amplify that process by delivering platelets in a higher concentration directly to the affected tissue.

So, what is platelet rich plasma from a clinical perspective? It’s not just a “natural” option—it’s a targeted biologic intervention that taps into the body’s intrinsic repair mechanisms without the need for foreign substances or immunosuppressive drugs.

Key Biologic Components That Drive PRP’s Effects

  1. PRP’s therapeutic potential comes down to its molecular composition. The most relevant components include:

    • PDGF (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor): Promotes cellular proliferation and chemotaxis

    • VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor): Stimulates angiogenesis

    • TGF-β (Transforming Growth Factor Beta): Aids in tissue remodeling

    • EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor): Supports epithelial and connective tissue repair

    • IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor): Encourages matrix synthesis and cell growth

    These molecules don’t work in isolation. They interact with resident cells like fibroblasts, tenocytes, and chondrocytes to initiate and guide tissue regeneration. PRP also influences macrophage polarization, promoting a shift from the inflammatory M1 state to the reparative M2 phenotype.

    Understanding what is platelet rich plasma includes understanding these biochemical cascades—not just the platelet count.

Not All PRP Is Created Equal: Why Kit Selection Matters

While the biological rationale for PRP is sound, clinical outcomes depend heavily on how it’s prepared.

This brings us to a key point: not all PRP systems deliver the same product. Platelet concentrations, white blood cell content, red cell contamination, and volume output can vary widely across platforms. Choosing the right prp kit can make the difference between therapeutic precision and unpredictable results.

Clinically important variables include:

  • Platelet recovery rate: What percentage of platelets are captured and reinjected?

  • Neutrophil reduction: Excess neutrophils can increase inflammation, particularly in joint injections.

  • RBC removal: Red cell contamination is linked to post-injection discomfort and oxidative stress.

  • Monocyte content: PRP rich in monocytes tends to perform better in chronic degenerative conditions.

  • Preparation time and handling steps: Workflow impact matters in real clinical settings.

Tropocells PRP, for example, delivers monocyte-rich plasma while removing over 99.9% of red cells and 95% of neutrophils—without requiring complex or multi-step processing. That level of precision supports both biologic effect and clinical efficiency.

Clinical Use Cases: When PRP Makes the Most Sense

When discussing what is platelet rich plasma, it’s helpful to contextualize its use within typical outpatient care. PRP is most commonly used for:

✔ Knee Osteoarthritis

Numerous RCTs and meta-analyses support PRP for pain relief and improved function in mild to moderate OA (KL grades I–III). Leukocyte-poor PRP formulations are especially effective intra-articularly.

✔ Tendon Injuries

Chronic tendinopathies such as lateral epicondylitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and patellar tendon injuries respond well to PRP. These injuries benefit from PRP’s ability to stimulate fibroblast activity and collagen remodeling.

✔ Rotator Cuff Pathologies

PRP may enhance recovery following rotator cuff repair or be used conservatively in partial tears where surgery isn’t indicated.

✔ Sports Injuries & Muscle Strains

Athletes often opt for PRP to reduce downtime. When paired with guided rehab, it can support faster and more complete healing.

Selecting the Right Patient

The best candidates for PRP typically have:

  • Mild to moderate degenerative pathology

  • Clear imaging or diagnostic support

  • A history of failed conservative therapies (NSAIDs, PT)

  • Realistic expectations

  • Commitment to post-injection care or rehab

PRP is not a first-line treatment for severe joint damage, gross instability, or full-thickness tendon ruptures. Aligning patient selection with biologic potential improves both outcomes and satisfaction.

What Is Platelet Rich Plasma’s Role in Patient Communication?

Introducing PRP to patients requires balance: it’s a biologic tool—not a miracle injection.

Patients should understand:

  • PRP is autologous and low-risk, but not risk-free

  • Improvement is gradual, usually noticeable within 3–6 weeks

  • Multiple injections may be needed depending on the condition

  • It is a cash-pay procedure, as insurance coverage is limited

Framing PRP as part of a treatment plan—not the entire plan—helps set the stage for realistic recovery expectations.

Workflow: How PRP Fits Into a Busy Practice

A well-chosen prp kit doesn’t just deliver quality—it fits into your workflow.

Many physicians worry about adding complexity. But the newer systems like Tropocells offer:

  • Single-spin protocols

  • Closed-loop preparation (sterility without a laminar flow hood)

  • 15–20 minute total turnaround

  • Compact centrifuge footprint

In practical terms, PRP can be integrated into an injection visit without extending appointment times or increasing staff burden. That means regenerative care doesn’t have to disrupt your day-to-day operations.

So, What Is Platelet Rich Plasma Offering Today’s Physician?

To summarize, platelet rich plasma offers physicians:

  • A biologically grounded, autologous treatment option

  • Proven use in OA, tendinopathy, and post-op recovery

  • Alignment with evolving standards of restorative care

  • A cash-based procedure that doesn’t require facility changes

  • A path forward when NSAIDs or cortisone no longer suffice

It’s not a miracle. But it is a repeatable, evidence-supported tool—especially when delivered with consistency and clarity.

Ready to Evaluate PRP for Your Practice?

Accretion Portal supplies PRP kits, tubes, and related equipment for clinical applications. Browse our product selection or reach out for details on specifications and availability.