What is PRP?

PRP, Platelet Rich Plasma, is the platelet concentrated plasma obtained from anti-coagulated whole blood via a centrifugation process. The platelet concentration needs to be at least four times that of whole blood to be considered “platelet rich”. The platelets are concentrated around the buffy coat, from distal plasma to the uppermost portion of the red pack.

Making PRP is a simple procedure that takes only a few minutes using the Vet-Stem GenesisCS Component Concentrating System. 52 ml of whole blood is drawn aseptically from the horse with a 60 ml syringe that has been preloaded with either 8 ml of CPD or ACD anticoagulant. The mixture is transferred to the special centrifugation tubes and processed stall side. The PRP is ready in minutes to be injected back into the same horse’s lesion.

What is it used for?
PRP is being used clinically by equine veterinarians for tendon and ligament healing and granulation of tissue defects. How does it work? When the platelets are injected into the lesion, they are activated by exposure of the damaged tissue. The platelets release their granular contents which include such anabolic growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These growth factors stimulate progenitor cells to migrate to the wound, and help with wound fibroblast expansion and wound matrix production.

How does it work?
When the platelets are injected into the lesion, they are activated by exposure of the damaged tissue. The platelets release their granular contents which include such anabolic growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These growth factors stimulate progenitor cells to migrate to the wound, and help with wound fibroblast expansion and wound matrix production.

Why choose the GenesisCS Component Concentrating System?
The GenesisCS Component Concentrating System has been validated to concentrate platelets in horse blood.

What does an equine veterinarian need to get started?
A Vet-Stem GenesisCS PRP kit, a bottle of ACD or CPD anticoagulant and a centrifuge that will fit the GenesisCS Component Concentrating System mini-tubes. The centrifuge will need to spin at 720g’s for 15 minutes*

*NOTE: this is G-forces, NOT rpms. If you need assistance in determining appropriate settings for your centrifuge please contact a Vet-Stem veterinarian.

Additional Information
PRP White Paper

PRP Instructional Video for Veterinarians