What it is
Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is made by drawing a small amount of a person's own blood and spinning it in a centrifuge to concentrate platelets in a portion of the plasma. Platelets are blood components involved in clotting and in releasing signaling proteins.
Leukocytes are white blood cells. A leukocyte-rich PRP (sometimes written LR-PRP) keeps white blood cells above the level found in normal blood. A leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP, sometimes called pure PRP) has most of them filtered or separated out.
Preparations can differ in many ways beyond white blood cell content, including platelet concentration, red blood cell content, the equipment used, and whether an activating agent is added. Because of this, two products both labeled "PRP" may not be the same thing.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Clinicians and researchers have long discussed whether white blood cells in PRP might matter. Some have theorized that leukocytes could contribute to inflammatory signaling, while others have wondered whether that signaling could be unhelpful in certain tissues. These remain open questions, not settled conclusions.
In practice, different clinics have favored different preparations for different areas of the body, such as joints, tendons, skin, or scalp. Choices often depend on the provider's training, the device on hand, and the person's situation rather than on a single agreed standard.
The research literature on PRP uses inconsistent definitions and preparation methods, which makes comparisons difficult. Evidence for many uses is limited or still being investigated, and no one type is established as better for everyone.
How the right provider may help
A good starting point is a visit with a licensed clinician, such as one in sports medicine, orthopedics, or aesthetic and hair care. They can review your health history, discuss your goals, and explain whether PRP is something worth considering at all. They may also describe other options, including ones that do not involve injections.
You can ask which PRP system or kit they use, whether it produces leukocyte-rich or leukocyte-poor PRP, and why they would choose one over the other for your situation. A thoughtful provider should be able to explain their reasoning in plain language and be honest about what is not known.
It also helps to ask how the product is regulated, what risks and alternatives apply to you, and what the written informed consent covers. A provider may help you make a more informed decision, but no outcome can be promised.
The whole-person view
Body, mind, and stress affect each other. Ongoing pain, slow recovery, or concerns about appearance can wear on mood and sleep, and stress and tension can in turn change how the body feels. Looking at the whole person, not only one tissue or one injection, is often a helpful frame.
Some people explore body-based support such as Somatic Experiences to build body awareness while they navigate a health journey. Others find talk therapy through Therapists.plus useful for coping with the stress of uncertainty and decision-making. These are complementary supports, not substitutes for medical care.
Somatic Experiences: embodiment and movement →Somatic Experiences: nervous system regulation →Therapists.plus: mind body connection →
Keep in mind
- PRP made from your own blood is generally prepared and used under FDA rules for devices and blood products, but specific uses, kits, and claims may not be FDA-approved for the condition being treated. Ask your provider about the FDA status of the exact product and use.
- Stem cell, exosome, and other regenerative products are different from PRP. In the U.S., the only FDA-approved stem-cell products are cord-blood-derived hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) products for certain blood and immune disorders, and no exosome product is FDA-approved. The FDA has warned the public about unapproved stem cell and exosome products.
- Verify the clinician's license with your state medical board, confirm any study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with IRB oversight, and get written informed consent covering risks and alternatives. Be cautious of cure-all claims, paying to join a "clinical trial," testimonials in place of evidence, or pressure to travel for treatment.
- Licensed professionals should guide care for any serious condition. For emergencies call 911; in a crisis call or text 988.
Not sure where to start? Answer a few gentle questions and choose who you’d like to hear from.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between leukocyte poor and leukocyte rich PRP?
The difference is the amount of white blood cells (leukocytes) left in the final preparation. Leukocyte-rich PRP contains white blood cells above normal blood levels, while leukocyte-poor PRP has most of them removed. Both are made from your own blood but can differ in other ways too.
Which is better, leukocyte poor or leukocyte rich PRP?
There is no established answer that one is better for everyone. Research is mixed, definitions vary, and evidence for many uses is limited or investigational. A licensed clinician can explain their reasoning for your situation after an evaluation.
What are leukocytes in PRP?
Leukocytes are white blood cells, part of the immune system. In PRP, they are either kept or reduced depending on the equipment and method used. Researchers continue to study whether their presence matters and in what situations.
Is PRP FDA-approved?
It depends on the specific product and use, so ask your provider. Centrifuge systems used to prepare PRP have been cleared for certain purposes, but that does not mean PRP is FDA-approved to treat a particular condition. Many uses are considered investigational or off-label.
Is PRP the same as stem cell therapy?
No, PRP is not stem cell therapy. PRP concentrates platelets from your blood, while stem cell products involve different cell types. In the U.S., the only FDA-approved stem-cell products are cord-blood-derived HPC products for certain blood and immune disorders, and the FDA has warned about unapproved stem cell and exosome products.
What should I ask a provider about PRP types?
Ask which system they use, whether it is leukocyte-rich or leukocyte-poor, and why that suits your situation. Also ask about its FDA status, risks, alternatives, and what the written consent covers. Confirm their license with your state medical board.
Educational resource. StemCell.biz shares general information and connects people with independent providers. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.