A wonderful way to cure diseases with blood: Let's learn about Apheresis

Have you ever donated blood? When we usually donate blood, we give our whole blood. But did you know that there is a special method that can separate the different parts of our blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, or remove only the harmful parts that cause a certain disease from the blood? That wonderful medical method is called apheresis. Some people also call this pheresis. Let's talk about this simply today.

Simply put, what is apheresis?

Think of it like separating the curds from the milk after squeezing a coconut. Apheresis is a similar process. In this process, a special machine, called a centrifuge, spins the blood taken from your body very fast and separates the different components (parts) in it. This separates the blood, takes only the part you need (for example, healthy platelets), and injects the rest of the blood back into your own body. This method is used for two main purposes: 1. For blood donation: Donate only the part of your blood that is needed by another patient, such as red blood cells, platelets, or plasma. 2. As a treatment: Remove abnormal or harmful blood parts (for example, cancer cells ) that are causing a disease in your body.

What are the main types of apheresis?

This treatment method is done in different ways depending on the need. To understand it exactly, see the table below.

What diseases is this treatment used for?

Apheresis is a very important method in the treatment and management of many diseases. For example, healthy stem cells from a person undergoing strong chemotherapy for cancer can be removed, stored safely, and returned after treatment. This treatment is mainly used for the following conditions:

Blood Cancers

• Acute myeloid leukemia
• Certain types of lymphoma
• Multiple myeloma
• Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia

Other blood disorders

• Sickle cell anemia
• Cryoglobulinemia
• Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Neurologic Disorders

• Guillain -Barré syndrome
• Multiple sclerosis
• Myasthenia gravis

How should I prepare for this?

This is done for different reasons, so not everyone has to prepare in the same way. So the best thing to do is to follow your doctor's instructions exactly. He or she will clearly tell you how long the treatment will take and what you need to do before it. For example, if you are a stem cell donor, you will need to take a medicine a few days before the treatment. This helps the stem cells in your bone marrow to enter your blood faster. In general, it is a good idea to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, for a few days before the treatment.

What happens during apheresis?

Although this may sound like a big deal, it's actually done very systematically, in a way that makes you feel at ease.

• First, you will be made to sit/reclin in a comfortable chair or bed.
• Then, the medical staff will insert two needles into a vein in each of your arms. Each needle will have a catheter , a thin, flexible tube, attached to it.
• On the one hand, some of your blood goes into that special machine. Inside the machine, the blood components have to be separated.
• Then, the required portion is separated, and the remaining blood is injected back into your body through the tube in the other arm.

While this entire process is happening, you can read a book, listen to a song, or just relax. There is no need to be afraid because the medical staff will always be with you.

What are the possible risks after this treatment?

As with any medical procedure, there are some very rare risks involved. But these are usually minor. Also, since the medical team is monitoring you throughout the procedure, if any problems arise, they can address them right away.

When should I call the doctor?

After treatment, you can usually resume your daily activities. Your doctor will explain to you what minor symptoms you can expect after treatment. If your symptoms are more severe than he or she says, or if you have any concerns or concerns, call your doctor right away.