If the 'gently rotated' step is skipped, is it still safe and effective to be injected?

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. If the step of "gently rotating" the blood in the vacutainer after it has been drawn is skipped, it may impact the effectiveness and safety of the PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) preparation. The gentle rotation is crucial because it ensures that the anticoagulant, which prevents blood clotting, is properly mixed with the blood. This mixing helps maintain the integrity of the platelets and other components throughout the centrifugation process, allowing for a more accurate concentration of platelets in the final PRP product. Skipping this step can lead to uneven distribution of the anticoagulant, potentially causing clots to form or affecting the quality of the PRP. Clots or improperly prepared PRP could reduce the effectiveness of the treatment and might even cause complications when injected. To ensure the PRP is both safe and effective, it is important to follow the recommended procedures, including gently rotating the vacutainer, to achieve optimal results. If there's ever a concern about the preparation process, it's best to consult with a medical professional who can provide guidance and ensure proper techniques are used. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Thank you for your question. When preparing PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) using vacutainers with an anticoagulant (such as ACDA), the gentle rotation step is important. This step ensures that the anticoagulant is properly mixed with the blood, which prevents clotting before centrifugation.

If the vacutainer is not gently rotated, the anticoagulant may not distribute evenly, and partial clotting of the blood can occur. This can affect the quality and consistency of the PRP, potentially reducing its effectiveness and even safety. Injecting partially clotted or improperly prepared PRP can introduce risks such as inflammation, reduced platelet viability, or an inconsistent therapeutic effect.

In summary, while skipping the gentle rotation step might not always result in visible issues, it compromises the reliability and efficacy of the PRP product. For optimal and safe results, all preparation steps, including gentle rotation, should be strictly followed.