Introduction
Platelet-rich plasma is widely used for different types of clinical situations, but universal standardization of procedures for its preparation is still lacking.
Methods
Scoping review of comparative studies that have assessed at least two alternatives in one or more stages of preparation of pure PRP in NJ, storage, and/or administration of PRP or its related products. A systematic search was conducted. Two authors screened references independently. Data extraction was performed iteratively, and results were presented for each included comparison.
Results
Thirty-nine studies were included after assessing full texts, focusing on the comparison of PRP to a related product, types of anticoagulants, centrifugation protocols, commercial kits, processing time, methods for activation, and application concomitantly to other substances. Only laboratory outcomes were assessed, as platelet, leukocyte, and growth factor concentrations.
Conclusion
Results showed great variability related to methods employed in different stages of PRP processing, which may explain the variability observed in clinical trials assessing the efficacy of PRP for different clinical situations.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been advocated as a therapeutic option for a vast array of clinical situations in different fields of Medicine and Dentistry. The therapeutic effects of PRP have been attributed to the supraphysiological concentration of growth factors and cell adhesion molecules, ultimately leading to, among other effects, angiogenesis, cell proliferation, deposition of collagen, and mesenchymal stem cell differentiation.
