Plasmapheresis: Understanding Plasma Removal from Blood

The removal of plasma from blood is called plasmapheresis. It is a procedure in which blood is drawn from a person and the plasma is separated from the red blood cells and platelets. The plasma is then removed and the red blood cells and platelets are returned to the person.

Plasmapheresis is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

* Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis

* Neurological disorders, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and myasthenia gravis

* Blood disorders, such as hemolytic anemia and sickle cell disease

* Kidney disease

* Liver disease

* Cancer

Plasmapheresis is typically done on an outpatient basis and takes about two hours. The procedure is usually well-tolerated, but some people may experience side effects, such as bruising, swelling, and lightheadedness.