From the Guidelines
For injecting Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet-rich Fibrin (PRF), the smallest gauge needle that should be used is a 30 gauge needle, as it offers a balance between minimal patient discomfort and the ability to deliver the platelet concentrate effectively. When considering the injection of local anesthesia, studies such as 1 suggest that smaller gauge needles produce less pain, with an optimal range of 25 to 32 gauge. However, for PRP and PRF injections, the viscosity of the platelet concentrate, particularly PRF, can make delivery through very small gauge needles challenging.
- Key considerations for choosing a needle gauge include:
- Patient comfort: smaller gauge needles cause less pain and tissue trauma
- Viscosity of the platelet concentrate: PRF is more viscous than PRP and may require a slightly larger gauge needle
- Effective delivery: the needle gauge should allow for proper delivery of the platelet concentrate without excessive pressure
- In practice, a 30 gauge needle is often considered the smallest practical option for PRP and PRF injections, as it balances these considerations.
- It's worth noting that while studies like 1 provide guidance on needle gauge for local anesthesia, the specific context of PRP and PRF injections may require adaptation of these principles to ensure effective and comfortable treatment.
From the Research
Smallest Gauge Needle for PRP and PRF Injections
- The smallest gauge needle used for injecting Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet-rich Fibrin (PRF) is not directly stated in the provided studies, but we can look at the gauges used in similar contexts.
- A study on PRP injections used 3 different gauge needles: 30-gauge, 32-gauge, and another unspecified gauge 2.
- Another study recommended using 30-gauge needles to minimize injection pain for PRP injections 3.
- Studies comparing 30-gauge and 32-gauge needles for other types of injections found that 32-gauge needles may cause less pain 4, 5, but this may not be directly applicable to PRP and PRF injections.
- A study comparing 30-gauge and 32-gauge needles for intravitreal injections found no significant difference in vitreous reflux frequency, but 32-gauge needles resulted in lower intraocular pressure immediately after injection 6.
Gauge Needle Sizes Used in Studies
- 30-gauge needles: used in studies on PRP injections 2, 3, botulinum toxin type A injections 4, and intravitreal injections 6.
- 32-gauge needles: used in studies on botulinum toxin type A injections 4, intravitreal injections 6, and compared to 33-gauge and 34-gauge needles for local anesthetic injections 5.
- 33-gauge needles: used in a study comparing pain levels with 34-gauge needles for local anesthetic injections 5.
- 34-gauge needles: used in a study comparing pain levels with 33-gauge needles for local anesthetic injections 5.