Apheresis

Apheresis is a medical procedure that removes, treats, and returns blood components to the bloodstream. It selectively removes harmful substances or collects specific blood components like plasma, platelets, white blood cells, red blood cells, or bad cholesterol. The procedure is minimally invasive with a quick recovery period.

Why Choose Us for Apheresis Treatment

• Unmatched expertise: Your apheresis procedure will be performed by some of the most experienced nephrologists in the region, providing you with the highest level of expertise.
• Compassionate support and care: Your well-being is our calling. We treat you with dignity, respect, and understanding. We’re here to help you through the process every step of the way, from scheduling your first appointment to determining treatment and providing ongoing support.
• State-of-the art care: Our center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and our staff are trained in the latest techniques to ensure the highest standards of safety and efficacy.

Conditions We Treat

• Autoimmune disorders
• Cancers and high white blood cell count
• High LDL cholesterol
• High platelet count
• Sickle cell disease

Services We Offer

• Plasmapheresis: Removes plasma, often used to treat autoimmune disorders.
• Plateletpheresis: Collects platelets, crucial for patients with low platelet counts.
• Leukapheresis: Extracts white blood cells, used in cancer treatment or to reduce very high white cell counts.
• Red blood cell (RBC) exchange: Removes abnormal red blood cells and replaces them with a donor’s healthy ones. This process has been used to treat sickle cell disease. 
• Lipoprotein apheresis: Removes “bad cholesterol” from blood. 
• Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP): Mainly used to treat diseases involving the immune system, such as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, graft-versus-host disease, and other autoimmune disorders. The process involves treating the blood with light after it has been exposed to a photosensitizing agent.

What to Expect

Your apheresis procedure will have four phases:

1. Preparation: You will be prepared and connected to an apheresis machine using sterile, disposable tubing. This can be done using the peripheral vein, a catheter, an implantable port, or a fistula.
2. Separation: Blood is drawn and passed through a machine that separates its components based on their size and density. 
3. Extraction and return: The targeted component is extracted, and the remaining blood is mixed with albumin or donated blood component, such as fresh frozen plasma or blood, and returned to you.
4. Completion: The process typically lasts one to three hours, depending on the volume of blood processed.

Risks

We carefully screen candidates for apheresis to minimize risks and monitor patients during the procedure to manage any adverse effects that may occur. We screen and monitor patients for the following risks:

• Allergic reactions: Some patients may have an allergic reaction to the anticoagulants or other substances used during the procedure. Symptoms can include itching, rash, or more severe reactions such as anaphylaxis.
• Infection: There's a small risk of infection at the needle insertion or catheter site. This risk is minimized by using sterile techniques and equipment.
• Bleeding: Because apheresis involves accessing a vein, there is a risk of bleeding, especially if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners.
• Hypocalcemia:  The anticoagulant used in apheresis (commonly citrate) can bind to calcium in the blood, leading to low levels of calcium. Symptoms may include tingling in the lips or fingers, muscle cramps, or more severe symptoms like cardiac issues. This can be managed by providing calcium during treatment, which is part of our procedure. 
• Drop in blood pressure: The procedure can cause a drop in blood pressure, leading to light-headedness, dizziness, or fainting.  
• Fatigue: Patients often feel tired after the procedure, which can last for several hours.
• Nausea and vomiting: These issues are less common but can occur, particularly in response to the anticoagulants used during the procedure.
• Iron deficiency: Repeated apheresis procedures, such as in regular plasma donation, can lead to iron deficiency if not properly managed with iron supplements or diet.
• Emotional stress: The experience of undergoing apheresis can be stressful or uncomfortable for some patients.