The Princess and the PRP

Regenerative expert, nurse Claudia McGloin answers all your burning questions

“WHY IS DRAWING BLOOD FOR PRP TREATMENT SOMETIMES DIFFICULT AND WHAT CAN BE DONE?”

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become an increasingly popular treatment in aesthetics offering significant benefits for conditions like skin rejuvenation, hair restoration, and intimate rejuvenation. The treatment involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets and then injecting it into the treatment area to stimulate healing and regeneration. However, for some practitioners, drawing blood for PRP can present challenges often leading to delays or complications in proceeding with PRP treatment. Understanding the potential reasons behind this difficulty and knowing what to do about it can help ensure your patient gets optimal treatment every time and that practitioners can overcome these challenges.

CAUSES OF DIFFICULTY DRAWING BLOOD FOR PRP

There are several reasons why obtaining blood for PRP treatment may be challenging. These include vein accessibility, medical conditions, medications, and other factors that affect blood draws.

1. Vein access issues: One of the most common reasons blood draws are difficult is because the veins may be small, deep, or not visible. Many patients, especially those who are overweight or elderly, have veins that are harder to locate or access. Additionally, veins that “roll” or collapse during the blood draw can complicate the process. In these cases, practitioners may struggle to find a suitable vein for the procedure.

2. Dehydration: Dehydration can significantly impact the visibility and accessibility of veins. When a person is dehydrated, their veins constrict, making them smaller and more challenging to locate. In addition, dehydration reduces blood volume, causing veins to appear flatter and less responsive to venipuncture. This is especially problematic for PRP treatment, as sufficient blood is required to create the PRP needed for the treatment.

3. Medical conditions and medications: Certain medical conditions can make drawing blood more difficult. For example, patients with low platelet count, varicose veins, diabetes, or obesity may experience challenges accessing their veins due to fragility or smaller vein size. Additionally, conditions like hypotension or Raynaud’s disease can cause veins to constrict, further complicating the process.

Medications that affect blood clotting, such as blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel), can also make it harder to obtain blood for PRP treatment. These medications may cause excessive bleeding, making the blood draw harder and potentially resulting in complications.

4. Anxiety and stress: Psychological factors like anxiety and stress can also make blood draws more challenging. When patients feel nervous or fearful, their veins may constrict, leading to difficulty in locating and puncturing them. In some cases, the anxiety may trigger a vasovagal response, causing dizziness, fainting, or further constriction of blood vessels, which can complicate the blood draw even more.

5. Previous injuries or repeated blood draws: Patients who have had multiple blood draws or injections, especially in the same vein, may experience scarring or damage to the veins. Repeated needle punctures can cause veins to become less accessible, making it harder for practitioners to successfully draw blood for PRP treatment.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES

To overcome challenges with blood draws for PRP treatment, there are several strategies that can help improve success. Proper hydration by drinking plenty of water 24 hours before the procedure increases blood volume and makes veins more visible. Applying warmth to the area, like a warm compress or heating pad, helps dilate veins for easier access, especially for patients with deep or small veins. Reducing stress through deep breathing or mindfulness can also prevent vein constriction. If initial attempts fail, medical professionals may try different veins, such as those in the forearm or wrist. Additionally, using a butterfly needle or a vein finder device can assist in accessing difficult veins.

If you have questions regarding any aspect of regenerative medicine – PRP, PPP, PRF, polynucleotides, exosomes – or questions relating to treatments, please get in touch, either by contacting Aesthetic Medicine magazine or emailing claudia@thenewyouclinic.ie.

CLAUDIA MCGLOIN

Claudia McGloin is a registered nurse and holds dual registration in both the UK and Ireland. With over 27 years’ nursing experience, McGloin is the clinical director and nurse practitioner at The New You Clinic in Sligo. She is one of Ireland’s leading platelet-rich plasma experts and has performed thousands of PRP treatments. She has shared her expertise on the international stage and in various publications.