PlateletRich

Plateletrich is a descriptor used in regenerative medicine to denote a biological sample or preparation that contains a higher concentration of platelets than whole blood. It is closely related to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and is often referenced in discussions of autologous plasma concentrates used to accelerate healing and tissue repair.

Typical plateletrich preparations are produced by centrifugation of a patient’s blood to concentrate platelets within a plasma fraction. The resulting product may contain concentrated platelets, leukocytes in some protocols, and a matrix such as fibrin. Growth factors released by platelets, including PDGF, TGF-β, and VEGF, are cited as the principal mediators of its proposed effects. Activation with calcium or thrombin may be used to induce growth-factor release before use.

Applications described for plateletrich products include treatment of acute and chronic tendon and joint injuries, wound healing, and cosmetic dermatology procedures. In dentistry and maxillofacial surgery, similar concentrates are used to promote soft tissue and bone healing. The choice of autologous plateletrich products and their preparation protocol often depends on the clinical goal and available equipment.

Clinical evidence for plateletrich therapies is heterogeneous and protocol-dependent. Some studies report improvements in pain, function, and healing, while others find minimal or no additional benefit compared with standard care. Risks are generally low when autologous, but adverse events can include pain at the injection site, infection, or tissue irritation; variability in preparation methods complicates interpretation of outcomes.

Because plateletrich is not a universally standardized term, and because preparation methods vary, regulatory status and clinical guidelines differ by jurisdiction. Clinicians emphasize consistent terminology and validated protocols to enable comparability across studies. The concept remains closely tied to related platelet concentrates like PRP and PRF, though exact definitions and products are not interchangeable.