Have you ever donated blood? Usually, when we donate blood, we provide the whole blood sample. But did you know there is a specialized medical procedure called Apheresis—sometimes referred to as pheresis—that allows us to separate specific components of your blood, such as red cells, white cells, or platelets, or even remove harmful elements that contribute to certain diseases? At Nirogi Lanka, we want to help you understand this remarkable medical technique simply.
What exactly is Apheresis?
Think of it like separating thick coconut milk from the watery version after pressing it. Apheresis works similarly. A specialized centrifuge machine draws your blood and spins it at high speeds to separate it into its various components.
Once separated, we collect only the necessary component (for example, healthy platelets) and return the rest of the blood back into your body. This method is primarily used for two purposes:
1. For Blood Donation: Donating only the specific components a patient needs, such as red blood cells, platelets, or plasma.
2. As a Treatment: Removing abnormal or harmful blood components (such as cancer cells) that are causing illness in your body.
What are the main types of Apheresis?
This treatment is tailored to your specific needs. Please refer to the table below to understand the different types.
| Type of Apheresis | What it does |
|---|---|
| Leukapheresis | Removing excessive, harmful White Blood Cells from your blood to alleviate symptoms. |
| Peripheral blood stem cell collection | Collecting immature stem cells from the blood for a stem cell transplant. |
| Photopheresis | Removing a specific type of white blood cell called lymphocytes, exposing them to UVA light to boost their activity, and returning them to the body to fight cancer cells or viruses. |
| Plasmapheresis (plasma exchange) | Removing the liquid part of your blood (plasma) and replacing it with healthy plasma or a substitute fluid to treat various serious conditions. |
| Platelet depletion | Removing excess platelets when your body has a dangerously high count. |
| Red blood cell exchange | Removing unhealthy or abnormal red blood cells (e.g., in sickle cell anemia) and replacing them with healthy donor red blood cells. |
Which conditions is this treatment used for?
Apheresis is a vital tool in treating and managing many health conditions. For example, for those undergoing intensive chemotherapy, we can harvest your healthy stem cells via this method to store safely and return to you after your treatment.
It is primarily used for the following conditions:
Blood Cancers
Other Blood Disorders
- Sickle cell anemia
- Cryoglobulinemia
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Neurologic Disorders
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Multiple sclerosis
- Myasthenia gravis
Additionally, apheresis is used to manage organ transplant rejection and Graft vs. host disease.
How should I prepare?
Because this procedure is used for various reasons, preparation varies for every patient. The most important thing is to follow your doctor’s instructions exactly. Your doctor will explain how long the procedure will take and what specific steps you need to take beforehand.
For example, if you are a stem cell donor, you may need to take medication a few days before the procedure to help release stem cells from your bone marrow into your blood.
Generally, it is highly recommended to stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to your treatment.
What happens during the Apheresis procedure?
While it may sound daunting, the process is very systematic and performed in a way that keeps you as comfortable as possible.
- First, you will be seated or asked to lie down in a comfortable chair or bed.
- Next, our medical staff will insert two small needles into the veins in both of your arms. Each needle is connected to a catheter, which is a thin, flexible tube.
- Blood will be drawn slowly from one arm and directed into a specialized machine, which carefully separates the different components of your blood.
- Once the necessary components are collected, the remaining blood is returned safely to your body through the tube in your other arm.
During this process, you are free to read a book, listen to music, or simply relax. There is no reason to be anxious, as our medical staff will be right by your side throughout the entire procedure.
What are the potential risks of this treatment?
As with any medical procedure, there are some minor risks, though they are quite rare. Most of these are mild. Furthermore, because our medical team monitors you closely throughout the entire session, they can address any issues immediately if they arise.
| Risk/Complication | In simple terms... |
|---|---|
| Hypotension (Low blood pressure) | Because some blood is outside your body and anticoagulants are used, your blood pressure might drop slightly, which could make you feel a bit dizzy. |
| Hypocalcemia (Low calcium levels) | The substance used to prevent blood clotting can temporarily lower your calcium levels, which might cause tingling around your lips or in your limbs. |
| Bleeding | You may experience slight bleeding at the site where the needle was inserted. |
| Infection | Although very rare, there is a small risk of infection at the needle insertion site. |
| Nerve damage | Very rarely, pressure on a nerve during needle insertion may cause temporary numbness or weakness. |
Remember, these complications are very unlikely. If you feel any discomfort, numbness, or dizziness, please inform the medical staff immediately.
When should I contact my doctor?
After the treatment, you can typically return to your daily activities. Your doctor will explain what minor symptoms to expect following the procedure. If your symptoms seem more severe than what was described, or if you have any concerns or doubts, please contact your doctor right away.
Take-Home Message
- Apheresis is a specialized medical procedure used to separate specific components from your blood.
- It is used either for blood component donation or as a therapeutic treatment to remove harmful substances.
- This is a very safe, medically supervised procedure, so there is no need for unnecessary worry.
- Please follow your doctor's instructions carefully before and after the treatment.
- If you experience any discomfort during or after the treatment, let your medical team or doctor know immediately.
