Platelet-poor plasma
Platelet-Poor Plasma (PPP) is blood plasma with very low number of platelets (< 10 X 103/μL). Traditionally, PPP was recommended for use in platelet aggregation studies to both adjust the Platelet-rich plasma concentration, and to serve as a control.[1] PPP may have elevated levels of fibrinogen, which has the ability to form a fibrin-rich clot once activated. Wound healing requires cell migration and attachment, which is facilitated by this fibrin clot.[2]
Current Uses
Fibrin sealants have found use in many clinical situations such as blood management,[3] orthopaedic surgery,[4] and cosmetic surgery.[5]
Preparation of platelet poor plasma
- Within 1 hour of blood collection, centrifuge capped citrate (blue top) tube for 15 minutes
- Using a plastic transfer pipet, remove the top 3/4 of plasma and place it in a plastic centrifuge tube with cap.
- Centrifuge the plasma (in the plastic centrifuge tube) for another 15 minutes.
- Using a plastic transfer pipet, remove the top 3/4 into a plastic tube. Do not disturb the plasma in the bottom of the spun tube, where any residual platelets will be.
- Aliquots with visible red cells or hemolysis (pink plasma) are not acceptable.
- Freeze plasma immediately. Samples for most laboratory assays should be frozen within 4 hours of collection.
Future possibilities
As a byproduct of PRP preparation, PPP may also find use in tissue engineering applications as an autologous degradable scaffold. This plasma portion is frequently discarded when used with PRP treatments.
Notes
- Marco Cattaneo, Anna Lecchi, Maddalena Loredana Zighetti, Federico Lussana. "Platelet aggregation studies: autologous platelet-poor plasma inhibits platelet aggregation when added to platelet-rich plasma to normalize platelet count". Haematologica, 2007, 92(05)
- Richard A.F. Clark. "Fibrin and Wound Healing". Annals New York Academy of Sciences, 2001, vol. 936 pp. 355–367.
- R.K. Spence. "Current concepts in Blood Management". Orthopaedics, 2004;27:S643-S641
- R. Justin Thomas, Scott E. Marwin. "The role of fibrin sealants in orthopaedic surgery". Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2009, Vol 17, No 12.
- Man, D., Plosker, H., Winland-Brown, J.E. "The use of autologous platelet-rich plasma (platelet gel) and autologous platelet poor plasma (fibrin glue) in cosmetic surgery". Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vol 107, Issue 1, pp. 229–239