Inconsistent Platelet-Rich Plasma Product From Devices Cleared by the US FDA: A Retrospective Review of Clinic Data
January 2021
in “
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
”
TLDR PRP treatments for hair loss need standard protocols to be reliable.
This retrospective review examined the consistency of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) products from three FDA-cleared devices (Eclipse, Emcyte, and Selphyl) used for treating alopecia at a single academic health center. The study found significant variability in platelet counts between whole blood and PRP, with Emcyte showing the highest platelet enhancement and capture efficiency but still inconsistent results. Only 2 of 8 Emcyte samples met the 3-fold quality control standard. The variability in PRP platelet concentration may affect clinical outcomes, though most patients showed clinical improvement or stabilization. The study highlights the need for quality control and objective clinical outcome measurements to better understand PRP's effects on hair disease.