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. 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.
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Current Uses
Fibrin sealants have found use in many clinical situations such as blood management, orthopaedic surgery, and cosmetic surgery.
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 by-product 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.