A proposed ASTM International standard will provide a common way to describe platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is used in orthopedics, sports medicine and other medical fields, to promote healing and tissue regeneration.

According to ASTM member Henry Speich, Ph.D., “platelet-rich plasma” is a general term applied to a broad range of platelet concentrates, but there is no standardized way to describe key PRP characteristics among clinicians and researchers. “Many organizations, including the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, have expressed interest in PRP standardization,” says Speich, a scientific affairs specialist in the biologics division at Zimmer Biomet.

The proposed standard (WK50816, Guide for Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma for Use in Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy) will provide standardized nomenclature for PRP, guidance on which PRP properties should be noted and recommendations on how to describe such properties.

The standard could be useful to manufacturers and researchers. In addition, health care providers could use the guide to more clearly understand characteristics of PRP they use.

Speich invites all interested parties to join in the development of WK50816. In particular, the task group encourages potential users of the standard to provide information on how PRP standardization could benefit their work, as well as which PRP characteristics they find most critical.

ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Become a member at www.astm.org/JOIN.

ASTM Committee F04 on Medical and Surgical Materials and Devices Next Meeting: Nov. 17-19, 2015, November Committee Week, Tampa, Fla.
Media Inquiries: Nathan Osburn, tel +1.610.832.9603; nosburn@astm.org
Technical Contact: Henry Speich, Ph.D., Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, Ind., tel +1.901.848.3741; henry.speich@zimmerbiomet.com  
ASTM Staff Contact: Pat Picariello, tel +1.610.832.9720; ppicariello@astm.org

Release #9924