What is Platelet Lysate?
Platelet Lysate is an orthobiologic treatment derived from a patient’s own blood. It involves concentrating platelets and then breaking them open (a process called lysis) to release a rich supply of healing growth factors. The resulting solution—Platelet Lysate—is then injected into areas of injury to promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation and accelerate healing.
How is Platelet Lysate Made?
The process begins by drawing a small sample of the patient’s blood. This sample is centrifuged to isolate platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which contains a high concentration of the body’s natural healing cells—platelets.
The platelets are then lysed, or broken open, using a specialized technique. At San Diego Orthobiologics Medical Group, we use a rigorously validated freeze-thaw method, which consistently achieves over 98% platelet lysis. This results in a pure Platelet Lysate solution that is rich in bioactive growth factors and free of intact platelets.
How is Platelet Lysate Different from PRP?
While both PRP and Platelet Lysate originate from the patient’s blood, the way they deliver healing agents differs:
- PRP contains intact platelets that release growth factors gradually over several days. Think of it like an extended-release medication—delivering healing compounds slowly over time.
- Platelet Lysate, on the other hand, delivers growth factors immediately because the platelets are already broken open. It functions more like an immediate-release medication, providing a rapid and concentrated burst of healing activity.
Potential Advantages of Platelet Lysate Over PRP
- Rapid delivery of growth factors to the targeted area
- Faster anti-inflammatory response
- Reduced post-injection discomfort or flare
- No risk of platelet clumping or clot formation
Conditions Commonly Treated with Platelet Lysate
Platelet Lysate has shown effectiveness in treating a variety of musculoskeletal and nerve-related conditions, including:
- Herniated spinal discs
- Sciatica and nerve root irritation
- Peripheral nerve injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Joint arthritis
- Tendon injuries, tendinitis, and partial tendon tears
- Frozen shoulder (i.e. adhesive capsulitis)
Why Don’t More Clinics Offer Platelet Lysate?
Producing high-quality Platelet Lysate requires specialized laboratory equipment, sterile techniques, and advanced expertise. Most clinics do not have the necessary infrastructure to prepare it safely and effectively.
At San Diego Orthobiologics Medical Group, we are proud to offer this advanced therapy thanks to our on-site regenerative medicine lab and dedicated team.
Learn More
To learn even more about how platelet lysate might help you, watch our informational webinar,
CLICK HERE