What is platelet-rich fibrin (PRF)

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Platelet gel is an autologous product derived from the patient’s own blood. It is produced by separating the platelet from the whole blood via centrifugation. The resulting product is rich in hemostatic factors (platelets and plasma proteins) and healing factors (platelet-derived growth factors).

 

How is platelet-rich fibrin made?

 

Platelet rich fibrin is second generation platelet-rich plasma, meaning that the platelets and leukocytes present in a fibrin’s matrix accelerate healing even faster that platelet rich plasma in a fibrin matrix. To obtain PRF, blood is drawn quickly into test tubes without anticoagulants and is centrifuged immediately in our Bio-PRF centrifuge. This is a horizontal centrifuge, which is four times more effective than a standard centrifuge at creating PRF

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How is platelet-rich fibrin used?

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Platelet-rich fibrin is applied to a surgical wound to induce rapid hemostasis and accelerate the healing process. Because PRF is rich in platelets, there is a high concentration of hemostatic and growth factors delivered directly to the wound. The PRF initiates the coagulation cascade to stop capillary bleeding and seal any disruptions in the lymphatic system. PRF also release concentrated growth factors which immediately begin the healing and remodeling processes. In addition, PRF contains an elevated number of leukocytes. This increase in which cells delivered directly to the wound has been shown to have a significant antimicrobial effect, thus reducing the risk of infection. PRF also produces a scaffolding effect for homeostatic and grown factors in high bone growth is both promoted and accelerated.

 

How is platelet-rich fibrin applied?

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To the bone:

Platelet-rich fibrin can also be mixed with bone chips to form a malleable bone log which can then be molded into any shape desired and placed where needed.

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Membrane:

A membrane can also be produced by dispensing platelet-rich plasma to a flat sterile surface. This membrane can then be used to cover or seal a specific area.

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We use both forms at tooth extraction sites to ensure quick and proper healing of the areas.

 

​Patient Benefits:

 

• Accelerated healing

• Less bleeding, bruising, redness, and swelling

• Reduced risk of infection

• Reduced risk of seroma formation

• Reduction in the use of or elimination of drains

• Fewer blood transfusions

• Significantly less pain and need for post-op analgesics

• Shorter post-op hospital stay

• Earlier ambulation

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