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Plasmapheresis is a medical procedure where blood is filtered to remove plasma, which can be processed and reintroduced or replaced. It is used to treat autoimmune conditions and is not effective on its own. The process involves a venous catheter and potential side effects include infection. Donating plasma takes longer than donating blood, but the body recovers faster. Not all blood banks can handle plasmapheresis at mobile units.
Plasmapheresis is a medical procedure in which blood is removed from the body and centrifuged to filter the plasma. The red blood cells are returned to the body and the plasma can be processed and either reintroduced or replaced, depending on the condition plasmapheresis is designed to treat. This technique is also used by blood banks for donor plasma, in which case the filtered plasma is tested to ensure it is safe and then packaged for use by hospitals.
In the popular American television series House, Dr. House appears to constantly order plasmapheresis for his patients. In fact, this treatment is relatively rarely used, especially in the United States, with most doctors using it specifically to treat autoimmune conditions. Plasmapheresis is also not an effective therapy on its own, as it needs to be combined with more long-term treatments that are designed to address the issue causing problems with your blood plasma in the first place.
In a typical plasmapheresis session, a venous catheter is placed in the patient and then connected to a plasmapheresis machine. When blood is drawn, it is treated with an anticoagulant agent to prevent it from clotting outside the body. After being centrifuged, the red blood cells are returned. In some cases, the plasma is treated and then returned, and in other cases it may be discarded and replaced with fresh plasma or a stand-in of some form. If plasma is being collected for donation, it is taken out in sterile packaging.
As a general rule, plasmapheresis is not painful, but it can be uncomfortable, depending on the type of plasmapheresis used to treat the patient. Like any medical treatment, it also has potential side effects and complications, with the most common being an infection at the catheter site. A doctor will generally discuss the reasons for recommending plasmapheresis treatment, along with the potential risks, when discussing treatment options with a patient.
People wishing to donate plasma during a blood draw should be prepared for a longer session than is required to donate blood. However, the benefit of donating plasma is that your body recovers faster. Within 48 hours, your body should return to normal and you could potentially donate again. Not all blood banks have the facilities to handle plasmapheresis at mobile blood units, so it’s a good idea to call ahead if you only want to donate plasma.
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