A Patient's Guide to Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Blood Injection

Blood is taken from the patient and placed in a centrifuge machine which spins the blood to separate the red blood cells from platelets (platelets are cell fragments that produce substances called growth factors). The platelet rich plasma (PRP) obtained is re-injected into the affected tendon.

The aim is to supply the tendon with growth factors that start the healing process and reduce pain and swelling. Injecting patients with their own blood product can be used to treat people with tendon problems that cause pain, weakness and stiffness.

The injection uses a local anaesthetic, so you will be unable to drive yourself home following the procedure even if you feel well enough to drive (car insurance is invalidated following the administration of any local anaesthetic).

We require you to inform the department if any of the following are applicable to you:

• You are taking ANY drugs to thin your blood (anti-coagulants) e.g. Aspirin, Warfarin, Clopidogrel, Rivaroxaban, Apixaban.
• You are taking any non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs e.g. Voltaren, Neurofen, Naproxen. (these must be stopped 2 weeks prior to the procedure)
• If you are taking any antibiotics.
• You have a concern you may have an infection
• Or any allergies to medications

Contact number: 020 3947 0040

Before the procedure you should not have taken any anti-inflammatory drugs e.g. Aspirin or Ibuprofen, for at least 2 weeks prior to the procedure. For the optimum treatment results you should also avoid smoking and excess alcohol consumption for the same period of time.

You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire relating to your current pain and restrictions to daily living. You should be prepared to fill out further questionnaires after the procedure.

You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire relating to your current pain and restrictions to daily living. You should be prepared to fill out further questionnaires after the procedure.

Please come to the X-ray department and book in at reception. You will be asked to take a seat. Be aware we run a busy service with multiple procedures, so patients will be taken into separate rooms at different times.

You will be asked into the room where a nurse / helper will help you change if required. They are there to help with the procedure and ensure you are at ease throughout.

The radiologist will carry out the procedure. If you have a latex allergy please inform the staff in the room.

The procedure, a 10ml sample of blood is withdrawn from one arm. The blood is centrifuged to produce a platelet-rich plasma sample. Under an aseptic technique (clean) and local anaesthetic, a needle will be placed through the skin into the tendon. A technique called 'dry needling' (repeatedly passing a needle through the tendon) may be performed before injection of the platelet rich plasma sample. With ultrasound guidance, about 1–3 ml of platelet-rich plasma is injected into the area of the damaged tendon. A dressing is used at the end of the procedure and needs to be kept clean and dry for the rest of the day.

After the procedure, for optimum treatment results please avoid smoking, excess alcohol, aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs such as Nurofen, Naproxen and Voltaren for six weeks after this treatment procedure. However, some pain may be experienced after the procedure, in which case the use of paracetamol is allowed.

You should avoid strenuous or excessive use of the tendon for 2 weeks (or as guided by your referring clinician), after which physiotherapy will be started.

Your clinical review, follow-up outpatient appointment and physiotherapy should be arranged through the clinical team looking after your care. You should expect a repeat Ultrasound in 4-6 weeks to monitor any changes in your tendon.

The PRP injection may also be repeated at intervals if needed.

More information is available through the National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence.

• X-Ray / Ultrasound MRI / CT / Nuclear Medicine: 020 3947 0040
• DXA: 020 8909 5476
• Pre operative assessment: 020 8909 5630