Plasmapheresis

Plasmapheresis is a medical procedure which involves the removal and replacement of a patient's blood plasma. Plasma, the clear liquid portion of blood, is removed and replaced with either donated plasma or donor-specific blood products such as albumin. The procedure is used to treat various diseases and conditions such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, Guillain–Barré Syndrome, myasthenia gravis and multiple myeloma. It is also used to treat autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis and lupus, as well as to manage certain types of cancer by removing certain antibodies from the patient's circulation. By removing potentially harmful substances from the blood, plasmapheresis can be used to reduce inflammation and inhibit the progression of a number of diseases.