hematology and oncology
Therapeutic Apheresis
Introduction
Apheresis refers to the process of separating the cellular and soluble components of blood using a machine. Apheresis is often done on donors where whole blood is centrifuged to obtain Blood Products (eg, red blood cells [RBCs], platelets, plasma based on specific gravity) to use for transfusion in different patients. Apheresis may also be used therapeutically to treat various disorders ( Therapeutic apheresis includes Plasma exchange and Apheresis is generally tolerated by healthy donors. However, many minor and a few major risks exist. Insertion of the large IV catheters necessary for apheresis can cause complications (eg, bleeding, infection, Pneumothorax ). Citrate anticoagulant may decrease serum ionized calcium. Replacement of patient's plasma with a colloidal solution (eg, 5%albuminor fresh frozen plasma does not replace IgG and coagulation factors. Most complications can be managed with close attention to the patient and manipulation of the procedure, but some severe reactions and a few deaths have occurred. 