How Is PRP Prepared From My Blood?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) preparation in clinics throughout Dubai and the broader UAE is a precise three-stage process that utilizes advanced medical technology to concentrate the natural healing components present in human blood. This procedure follows standardized protocols to ensure that the final PRP product contains the optimal concentration of platelets and growth factors necessary to stimulate rejuvenation or tissue repair.

The entire process, spanning from blood collection to final injection, typically lasts between 30 to 60 minutes.

The Three Key Stages of PRP Preparation in the UAE
PRP preparation is an "autologous" procedure, meaning that the final product is derived entirely from the patient's own body, significantly reducing the risk of allergic reactions or disease transmission.

Stage 1: Blood Collection
The process commences similarly to a regular blood test, with specific considerations taken to preserve the quality and viability of the platelets.

Patient Preparation: Patients are typically seated comfortably. Ahead of their appointment, they are advised to stay adequately hydrated, as this can facilitate the blood draw process and enhance the quality of the plasma volume. Patients are also instructed to refrain from using anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (NSAIDs) for a week prior, as these can impact platelet function.

Blood Volume: A small quantity of blood, usually between 20 ml and 60 ml, is drawn depending on the treatment area's size (e.g., smaller areas like the scalp or face require less blood compared to larger joint injections).

Specialized Kits: Blood is drawn directly into a sterile, specialized PRP collection tube rather than a standard test tube. These high-quality, pre-packaged PRP kits, widely utilized in Dubai clinics, are essential. The tubes contain an anticoagulant (like ACD-A) to prevent immediate blood clotting. Many modern kits also feature a proprietary separating gel that aids in isolating the desired components later in the process.

Stage 2: Centrifugation (Separation)
This stage is the core of the preparation process, involving the use of a specialized device to separate the blood into distinct layers based on density.

Placement in the Centrifuge: The sealed PRP tubes are promptly placed into a specialized medical centrifuge machine. UAE clinics utilize high-quality centrifuges specifically designed for PRP preparation (often a low-speed centrifuge).

The Spinning Process: The machine is set to spin the blood at a high, precise speed (measured in revolutions per minute, or RPM) for a specified duration (usually 5 to 10 minutes). The exact time and speed (Relative Centrifugal Force or RCF) depend on the specific PRP kit and the manufacturer's protocol, as different kits require different settings to achieve optimal platelet concentration.

Blood Component Separation: The centrifugal force separates the blood into three distinct layers:

Bottom Layer (~55%): Comprising the heaviest components, primarily Red Blood Cells (RBCs).

Middle Layer (The "Buffy Coat"): A thin, white-yellowish layer situated just above the RBCs, rich in White Blood Cells (WBCs) and the majority of Platelets.

Top Layer (~45%): The Plasma. This layer is further separated into Platelet-Poor Plasma (PPP) at the top and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) just above the buffy coat.

Stage 3: Extraction and Activation
This final stage involves isolating the usable PRP from the rest of the blood components, preparing it for injection.

PRP Extraction: The clinician, often using a syringe and a long needle, meticulously extracts the desired yellowish PRP layer located just above the red blood cells. The objective is to maximize the platelet yield while minimizing the collection of red and white blood cells (Red Blood Cells are undesirable as they can cause inflammation). The final volume of extracted PRP is usually only a few milliliters, but with a platelet concentration 5 to 10 times higher than that of normal blood.

Optional Activation: In certain protocols, especially in orthopedic applications, the PRP may be activated just before injection by adding a small amount of an activating agent, typically calcium chloride. This agent mimics the body's natural clotting cascade, immediately prompting the platelets to break down and release their potent store of growth factors (e.g., PDGF, TGF-beta, VEGF).

Final Delivery: The highly concentrated, growth-factor-rich PRP is now prepared for injection. It is transferred to a sterile syringe and then injected directly into the targeted area—the scalp for hair restoration, the face for skin rejuvenation, or a joint/tendon for orthopedic healing. Local anesthesia or a numbing cream is often applied to the target area to ensure patient comfort during the injection phase.

This meticulously controlled three-step method guarantees that the final PRP solution is safe, natural, and highly concentrated with the patient’s own growth factors, making the treatment effective for a broad spectrum of aesthetic and medical concerns addressed in