What is PRF and why is it different to PRP? - PRP vs. PRF

Whilst PRP, or Platelet-Rich Plasma, is the most well-known treatments in the field of regenerative medicine, Platelet Rich Fibrin (or PRF) is growing in popularity and can be used in a number of versatile ways. So, what is PRF and why is it different to PRP?

PRP tubes contain a chemical compound, an anti-coagulant, which stops the blood sample from coagulating and forming a hard clot. There are different options available for anti-coagulation, but Sodium Citrate (which hospitals use to store blood for blood-transfusions) is the most common, effective and very safe to be reintroduced to the human body.

On the other hand, PRF tubes contain no anticoagulant. This means that left to its own devices and when exposed to oxygen, the blood sample taken from a patient will form a solid clot.

This clot can be used in dentistry during implant preparation, in sports therapy to speed-up the healing of joints, or in aesthetic medicine.

Alternatively, as coagulation takes time, PRF is an injectable liquid for (depending on the brand of supplier) up to 16 minutes. This is an option for practitioners trying to provide the most autologous procedure, without the introduction of any foreign substances (like anti-coagulants). Although swelling and pain is very minmal with PRP (compared to synthetic treatments), PRF will be even more painless.

With a PRF treatment, a fibrin matrix is created, which releases growth factors and other elements more slowly over time. The fibrin matrix essentially acts as a scaffold, providing a support structure for the cells. This means that while PRP releases these healing factors for 2-3 days, PRF releases them over 2-3 weeks.

If you want to find out more about PRF, or PRP vs. PRF, please see the link to a useful article here.