Plasmapheresis, also referred to as plasma exchange, is a medical procedure in which the liquid part of the blood, known as plasma, is separated from the blood cells. The plasma is then removed and replaced with other fluids such as saline, albumin, or a plasma substitute. This treatment is used to remove harmful substances from the blood, such as antibodies, toxins, or metabolic waste products.
Types of plasmapheresis treatments include therapeutic plasma exchange and donor plasmapheresis (plasma donation).
Plasmapheresis plays a crucial role in treating various autoimmune disorders, blood disorders, and certain neurologic conditions. By removing pathogenic substances from the blood, plasmapheresis can alleviate symptoms, improve patient quality of life, and even save lives in severe cases. It is commonly used in conditions like Guillain-Barré syndrome, myasthenia gravis, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Additionally, this procedure is integral to plasma donation, supporting the production of essential medications and treatments.