A Brief Study Examining the Variability of PRP with Different Preparation Systems

Abstract

The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a means to improve hair growth and limit hair loss has been advocated by numerous hair restoration doctors. Many clinicians and investigators feel that some of the various growth factors attached to platelets can promote hair growth and reactivate senescent hair follicles. Based on various reports in the scientific literature, the response to this type of treatment has been inconsistent at times.

While clinicians use the acronym PRP for all versions of concentrated platelets, it may be that not all PRP preparations are equal. It is conceivable that some of this variation in response may relate to differences in the concentration of platelets produced depending on the PRP system being employed.

In this brief study, the authors evaluated the concentration of platelets produced by four different commercially available systems. The platelet counts in the PRP were compared to whole blood concentration of platelets in each patient. The results demonstrated wide variance in platelet concentrations among the different systems.