As your own (autologous) blood is used, it is first collected by venesection, the same procedure used in blood tests or blood donations. The site of the venesection is usually a large vein in your elbow. Blood is collected (amount will vary) and then spun down in a centrifuge to separate the components; red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. The process takes 10 minutes. The plasma rich in platelets is then harvested. Depending on your injury, an amount will then be injected into your injury with the use of ultrasound guidance, and under local anaesthetic coverage. 

The scan takes approximately 30-45 minutes (several individual scans of a few minutes each). You are required to lie as still as possible during each scan. If you think that lying still for this amount of time might be a problem for you, please raise this with us when you make your appointment. You do not have to hold your breath or move into any special positions during the scan.

It is not uncommon that you may feel some pain during and following the injection. Check with the radiologist or nurse on site for a list of suitable pain relief medications as some medications must be abstained from following this procedure.

Do not expect any improvement for 3 to 6 weeks after the injection as this is the time it takes your body to go through the healing process, however, some patients have said that it works almost immediately. 

During the healing process about 10% of patients may experience severe pain in the injected tendon for 1 to 7 days. This should be treated symptomatically with ice; elevation and pain relief medication (again, ask the radiologist or nurse for a list of these safe medications).

You should follow any instructions from your referring practitioner or physiotherapist which may include: 

• A form of physical therapy (stretches and eccentric strengthening for tendons) to enhance tendon regeneration and an ultrasound of the area to monitor repair 
• Avoiding heavy activity for two weeks 
• After two weeks, resuming lighter activity
• Gradually resuming heavy activity after four weeks 
• A second injection maybe required however you should consult with your referring practitioner first as you will require another referral / request
•  After elbow injections, some patients find it useful to wear a splint around their wrist or elbow for the first 2 weeks
•  As mentioned above, a moderate amount of discomfort is expected. The pain is usually worse in the first couple of days, however this should slowly decrease. If you experience persisting severe pain or an adverse reaction following the injection please consult your referring doctor

Since this procedure uses platelet rich plasma (PRP) and is prepared from autologous or the patient’s own blood, there is no risk of an allergic reaction. Your doctor will use local anaesthetic such as lignocaine or bupivacaine, however, when this wears off there may be pain that lasts for a couple of days. This always goes away but may require pain relieving medication. Adverse effects are rare but as with any injection there is always a small risk of infection or injury to nerves or blood vessels. Scar tissue formation and calcification at the injection site are also possible.

Please let us know if you have any of the following: 

• An active infection 
• A low platelet count 
• Are taking blood thinning medications (eg Warfarin, Plavix, Iscover or Aspirin)
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding 
• Have used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) – examples include Nurofen, Voltaren, Mobic - in the 7-10 days leading up to your appointment. You may be asked to switch to another painkiller such as paracetamol
• Have an allergy to a local anaesthetic agent