What is PLASMAPHERESIS? Plasmapheresis is a unique health procedure. "It begins by insertion of a needle into a vein in each arm. Connecting tubes are then inserted and blood is withdawn from one arm to flow into the apheresis machine."(2) Plasmapheresis is whenerby the body is depleted of blood plasma without depleting blood cells of the body. In other words, whole blood is taken from the body and the plasma is then separated from its cells. Next, the cells are suspended in saline. Once the cells have been reconstituted, they are returned to the patient.
Plasmapheresis is the process where excess antibodies are removed from the blood in patients that have conditions like lupus, MS, and multiple myeloma. Plasmapheresis is usually practiced in a clinical or hospital setting.
Typically, plasmapheresis is mostly pain free, and side effects are relatively minimal. Usually, 3-5 treatments are necessary before patients see an improvement. Treatment duration depends on individual patients, and may be short-term, or long-term.
To learn more about plasmapheresis, or if you would like to locate a clinic specializing in plasmapheresis, please feel free to visit our consumer resources' and vocational schools' directories.
Reference:
1. MedicineNet.com - Plasmapheresis
www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4937
2. Myasthenia Gravis Association of Western Pennsylvania - Plasmapheresis
www.mgawpa.org/plasmapheresis.htm
Plasmapheresis