Dialysis Program
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Apheresis
Apheresis treatment is offered to patients for a variety of medical diagnoses that are most commonly localized in the plasma . This treatment involves using a machine, which separates the plasma from the whole blood and then returns the whole blood to the body. Replacement fluids are used to compensate for the loss of plasma during this process. Apheresis is delivered via the Spectra Apheresis machine. Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) is most commonly used for:
Experiencing Apheresis treatments
A patient who needs to have an apheresis treatment will first need an access to the blood stream where a temporary or permanent catheter is placed. This catheter will be used for apheresis treatments only. At the initiation of treatment, tubing from the machine will be connected to the ports on the catheter. A blood pump will pull blood from the body and it will be circulated through disposable tubing on the machine. The blood will spin through a centrifuge which will separate the whole blood and plasma. The plasma then goes into a container and the whole blood is returned to the patient through the venous port. The patients vitals are monitored every 15 minutes, and the patient receives one-to-one patient care. The frequency and duration of treatments is determined by the physician. Patients receiving an apheresis treatment do not feel their blood being pulled from and returned to their bodies. However, they may experience some of the following side effects during and/or following treatment.
- Low blood pressure
- Tingling in the fingertips
- Increased heart rate
- Decrease heart rate
- Sweating
- Chills
- Nausea
- Light headedness
- Hives
- Shortness of breath
Medications including Hydrocortisone, Benadryl and Tylenol are often given prior to the treatment to help prevent the above reactions.
White Blood Cell Depletion and Platelet Reduction (Thrombocytosis) are also offered through the Apheresis department.