Commonly Asked Questions
How long does a procedure take?
This is different from patient to patient, but
typically, the procedure takes between two
and three hours.
How often will I need treatment?
Treatment frequency depends on the
disease treated and the patient’s response
to the procedure. While some diseases
require a short course of treatment, others
may require many treatments. Patients
should ask their physician and the
Apheresis doctor for specific details
related to their condition.
What can I do during the procedure?
You can relax, sleep, read or watch
television during the procedure, but keep
in mind you may have to keep your arms
outstretched during the treatment.
Can I have something to eat or drink
during a procedure?
Generally, you can eat and drink during
your procedure; however, your nurse will
provide you with instructions prior, if there
are any limitations.
Can I have visitors?
Once the procedure is underway, your
nurse will determine if you can have visitors.
How do I make an appointment?
You can call our department at
619-543-5977, or email us at
[email protected]
Special Instructions:
For the two days before treatment drink
plenty of fluids. On the day of treatment,
for three hours before the procedure, drink
as little as possible. Visit the restroom
immediately before the procedure.
Plasmapheresis
Patient Handout
Apheresis Program
200 W. Arbor Drive,
San Diego, CA. 92103
Phone: 619-543-5977
Fax: 619-543-7367
Email: [email protected]
Website:
http://health.ucsd.edu/specialties/apheresis/
Pages/default.aspx
History
UC San Diego’s Apheresis program was
established in 1982 by Dr. David Ward,
and the first procedure performed was
plasmapheresis. In the past thirty years,
we have treated over 300 patients and
performed more than 22,000 procedures.
What is Plasmapheresis?
Plasmapheresis is a process in which
plasma components are removed from
the blood, such as autoantibodies, that
can cause autoimmune disease. The basic
premise of plasmapheresis is that removal
of these substances will reduce further
damage, and may permit reversal of the
pathogenic process.
What is plasma?
Plasma is the “liquid” portion of the blood
that contains proteins, electrolytes,
vitamins, hormones, etc. It consists mainly
of water, and allows the circulation of red
and white blood cells and platelets.
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Plasmapheresis Procedure
Plasmapheresis is accomplished with an
Apheresis system that uses a centrifuge
to separate plasma from other blood
components. The sterile tubing sets and
needles are used one time only and then
discarded. Specially trained nurses operate
the apheresis system and monitor your
condition throughout the procedure.
Steps of the Procedure:
To help our patients feel more comfortable
about undergoing plasmapheresis, it is
important to explain the basic procedure.
Step 1:
To begin, your blood will be drawn by
placing a needle into each arm - common
procedure for patients with good veins. If
the arm veins are small, then a port access
or central line can be placed before the
procedure – an appointment will be made
for the placement.
Step 2:
A liquid, called anticoagulant, is added to
the blood to keep it from clotting. The blood
and anticoagulant enter the centrifuge of the
blood cell separator where the plasma is
separated from the other blood components
and transferred to a collection bag.
Step 3:
A replacement fluid is added to replace the
volume of plasma that has been removed.
The mix of the other blood components and
replacement fluid is then returned to you.
Step 4:
The apheresis system accomplishes all of
the above steps in an automated and
continuous manner.
Conditions treated with plasmapheresis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Myasthenia Gravis
(MG), Chronic Idiopathic Polyradiculopathy
(CIDP), Stiff Persons Syndrome,
Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO), Optic Neuritis,
etc.
©COPYRIGHT, TERUMO BCT, INC. 2012. USED WITH PERMISSION.
Why is it necessary?
Some diseases create protein substances
called autoantibodies that circulate throughout the body in the plasma portion of the
blood. These autoantibodies are caused by
an abnormal immune system and can attack
healthy cells or tissues. Only in a few
diseases is it possible to remove the specific
substance causing the disease, but it is
possible to remove the plasma that contains
the substance. Plasmapheresis, along with
medication can help control the disease
process and Improve the quality of life for
many patients with such diseases.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Plasmapheresis is a safe procedure, but
side effects can occur. You may have
discomfort at the needle site and occasional
fatigue, low blood pressure, dizziness,
lightheadedness, feeling cold and tingling
in the fingers and around the mouth. It is
important to notify your nurse immediately
if you experience any of these symptoms.