Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Autologous Conditioned Plasma (ACP)

Dr. Chan uses medically-approved, state-of-the-art technology such as the Autologous Conditioned Plasma (ACP) system by Arthrex to administer Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) prolotherapy treatments. The following information about ACP is from the “A Patient’s Guide to Natural Healing – Autologous Conditioned Plasma (ACP)” brochure on the Arthrex website:

Healing after an injury involves a well-orchestrated and complex series of events where proteins in the blood act as messengers to regulate the entire process. Many proteins involved in the healing process are derived from small cell fragments in the blood called platelets. Platelets are small, colorless, cell fragments present in the blood. They are formed in the bone marrow and are freely passing through the bloodstream in a resting state. However, when an injury occurs, the platelets become activated and start to gather at the injury site to release beneficial proteins called growth factors. This is the beginning of the healing process. For many years, blood components derived from the patient and then delivered to the site of injury have created growing interest for use in orthopaedic procedures. New research and technology has expanded the application of this therapy for use in orthopaedic procedures.

Healing after an injury involves a well-orchestrated and complex series of events where proteins in the blood act as messengers to regulate the entire process. Many proteins involved in the healing process are derived from small cell fragments in the blood called platelets. Platelets are small, colorless, cell fragments present in the blood. They are formed in the bone marrow and are freely passing through the bloodstream in a resting state. However, when an injury occurs, the platelets become activated and start to gather at the injury site to release beneficial proteins called growth factors. This is the beginning of the healing process. For many years, blood components derived from the patient and then delivered to the site of injury have created growing interest for use in orthopaedic procedures. New research and technology has expanded the application of this therapy for use in orthopaedic procedures.

What is Autologous Conditioned Plasma (ACP)?

Autologous Conditioned Plasma is a concentration of platelets and growth factors created from a small amount of your own blood. Increased levels of growth factors improve signaling and recruitment of cells to an injury site and optimize the environment for healing. Often referred to as platelet rich plasma (PRP), this treatment has been used to assist in the treatment and recovery of injuries.

How does the ACP process work?

Your health care provider will recover a small amount of blood from your arm using a small needle and a specially designed syringe. The blood then goes through a rapid spinning process that separates and concentrates the platelets and other beneficial growth factors from the blood. The plasma containing these platelets and growth factors are then applied to the treatment area. The entire ACP production process is usually done in less than 20 minutes.

What are the risks associated with this treatment?

ACP uses your body’s own natural properties to treat your injury. Side effects utilizing PRP systems are very uncommon.