Wilson, Brooke2015-01-072019-08-192014-08-18bibid: 8793254https://hdl.handle.net/1813/38764The use of platelet rich plasma (PRP) in sports medicine has increased dramatically recently but there are still doubts towards its efficacy that likely stem from the wide variety between PRP samples and products. To further define PRP, this study aimed to test whether its composition was altered if PRP or the blood used to produce PRP, remained out at room temperature before use. Another aim was to establish if a manual platelet count would adequately quantify platelet concentration compared to using automated methods. All types of PRP product tested remained stable, according to growth factor and cytokine measurements, for up to four hours when stored at room temperature. No significant differences were found in platelet concentrations obtained from automated or manual methods. The results found confirm the ease of verifying platelet concentration manually and that PRP can be used in orthopedic and surgical situations without worry of product degradation.en-USplatelet rich plasma (PRP)regenerative medicinegrowth factorsdissertation or thesis