What is Apheresis?

Apheresis is a medical procedure that involves removing specific components from a person's blood and returning the remaining blood components to the body. This process allows for the selective removal of certain blood constituents, such as plasma, platelets, red blood cells, or white blood cells, depending on the individual's medical condition and treatment needs. Apheresis is commonly used to treat various conditions, including autoimmune disorders, certain cancers, and diseases related to blood cells or plasma.

Each patient must make an individual decision regarding this procedure. For many, the process may resemble dialysis, where blood is diverted to an external device before being returned to the patient's body.

When deciding, patients can request their doctor to explain the procedure, its objectives, associated risks and benefits, and any alternative therapies that may be suitable.

Examples of apheresis procedures encompass:

1. Plasmapheresis - extraction of plasma

2. Leukapheresis - withdrawal of white blood cells

3. Granulocytapheresis - elimination of granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils)

4. Lymphocytapheresis - elimination of lymphocytes

5. Lymphoplasmapheresis - simultaneous removal of lymphocytes and plasma

6. Plateletpheresis or Thrombocytapheresis - separation of platelets