Autologous platelet rich plasma injection for treatment of a torn tendon injury

A blood bank physician in Los Angeles comments on a recent article in the New York Times by Health reporter Gina Kolata, who wrote about her personal experience receiving an autologous platelet rich plasma injection for treatment of a torn tendon injury.

The Los Angeles blood banker believes the use of autologous platelet rich plasma is still controversial although this perioperative autologous "transfusion" practice has been used in various clinical situations for years usually for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. The inquiring blood banker wonders if, in reality, transfusion medicine specialists are currently involved in this kind of practice. If so, she would like to know what quality control measures have been implemented to monitor this therapy?

Editors’ Note: The editors believe that colleagues might find the information in the following discussions:

• Use and QC of 'platelet gel'
• Use of a 'blood patch' to treat severe headache due to cerebrospinal fluid leakage after epidural anesthesia

to be germane to the present discussion.

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Ira A. Shulman, MD
CBBS e-Network Forum Senior Editor & Moderator

W. Tait Stevens, MD
CBBS e-Network Forum Editor & Moderator

Elizabeth M. St. Lezin, MD
CBBS e-Network Forum Associate Editor & Moderator