Pheresis

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Pheresis is a medical procedure that involves the removal, treatment, and return or exchange of blood plasma or components thereof from the circulation. The process can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions and is especially important in the field of hematology.

Types of Pheresis[edit | edit source]

There are several types of pheresis, including:

  • Plasmapheresis: This involves the removal of plasma from the blood, with the remaining components returned to the patient. It is often used in the treatment of autoimmune disorders.
  • Leukapheresis: This procedure removes white blood cells from the blood. It is often used in the treatment of diseases that cause an overproduction of white blood cells, such as leukemia.
  • Plateletpheresis: This procedure involves the removal of platelets from the blood. It is often used in the treatment of diseases that cause an overproduction of platelets, such as thrombocytosis.
  • Erythrocytapheresis: This procedure involves the removal of red blood cells from the blood. It is often used in the treatment of diseases that cause an overproduction of red blood cells, such as polycythemia.

Procedure[edit | edit source]

The pheresis procedure involves the use of a machine to separate the blood into its various components. The specific component that is being targeted is then removed or treated, and the remaining blood is returned to the patient. The procedure can take several hours to complete.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Pheresis is used in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions, including autoimmune disorders, blood cancers, and certain genetic disorders. It can also be used to collect blood components for donation.

Risks and Complications[edit | edit source]

As with any medical procedure, pheresis carries some risks. These can include reactions to the anticoagulant used in the procedure, low blood pressure, and infection. In rare cases, serious complications such as blood clots or severe allergic reactions can occur.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Pheresis Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD