Standardization News

A proposed ASTM International standard will provide a common way to describe platelet-rich plasma, 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 clinicians and researchers have no standardized way to describe key PRP characteristics.

"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, healthcare providers could use the guide to more clearly understand the 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.

CONTACT Technical Information: Henry Speich, Ph.D., Zimmer Biomet • Warsaw, Ind. • tel +1.901.848.3741 | ASTM Staff: Pat Picariello • tel +1.610.832.9720 | Upcoming Meeting: Nov. 17-19 • November Committee Week • Tampa, Fla.