Direct Answer: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is not a single standardized treatment. The platelet concentration, the preparation system used, and whether white blood cells are included can vary significantly from one provider to another — and even from one injection to the next with the same provider. These differences can meaningfully affect how a patient responds to treatment, yet most patients are never told what concentration they're actually receiving.
What This Means for You
When people hear "PRP," they often assume it's a single, consistent product — like a prescription with a standard dose. In reality, PRP is prepared from a patient's own blood using a centrifuge system, and there are dozens of different systems on the market, each producing a different platelet yield and cell composition. Some systems concentrate platelets 2–3x above baseline; others concentrate them far higher. Some intentionally include white blood cells (leukocyte-rich PRP); others filter them out (leukocyte-poor PRP). The "right" formulation can depend on the condition being treated.
This matters because two patients could each receive an injection labeled "PRP" and be getting meaningfully different treatments — with different potential outcomes.
Dr. Tortland's Perspective
I think this is one of the least-understood parts of regenerative medicine for patients. Before choosing a provider, I'd encourage anyone considering PRP to ask directly: What system do you use? What platelet concentration does it typically produce? Is this leukocyte-rich or leukocyte-poor, and why did you choose that for my condition? A provider who can answer these clearly is a good sign. Evidence in this field is still evolving, and I try to be transparent with patients about both what we know and what remains uncertain.