Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a type of injection therapy that uses growth factors found in blood platelets. These cells play a key role in blood clotting, wound healing, injury recovery, and skin regeneration.

Experts haven’t established a single method for preparing PRP, but it usually involves a three-step process:

  1. Blood draw: A healthcare professional will draw up to 60 milliliters of blood from you, usually in the arm.
  2. Centrifuge, round 1: The blood sample will be put into a centrifuge, a small machine that spins quickly to separate the different components of your blood. Round 1 separates the platelets from other cells, such as red blood cells.
  3. Centrifuge, round 2: The PRP goes through a second centrifugation round. This time, it spins more quickly to separate the different growth factors.

A healthcare professional will then inject the final PRP into the necessary part of your body. This PRP can contain up to eight times more platelets than the rest of your blood.

The amount of time it takes to prepare PRP may depend on several factors, such as the clinic you visit and why you need PRP.

In most cases, PRP therapy can take 15 to 30 minutes.

There aren’t usually any specific measures to consider or prepare before getting PRP treatment.

That said, a doctor will most likely recommend not taking any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for at least 1 week before treatment and 4 weeks after.

If you have any questions or concerns about PRP treatment, speak with a doctor. They can answer any questions about how to prepare and what to expect during and after treatment.