Plasmapheresis does not directly remove white blood cells. It is a procedure that removes plasma, the liquid portion of blood, and replaces it with a donor plasma, albumin, or saline solution. White blood cells remain in the blood after plasmapheresis.
How Plasmapheresis Works:
Plasmapheresis separates blood components using a machine called a plasmapheresis machine. The machine spins the blood, separating it into plasma and other blood components. The plasma is then removed, and the remaining components are returned to the body.
What Plasmapheresis Is Used For:
Plasmapheresis is used to treat various conditions, including:
- Autoimmune diseases: Plasmapheresis can help remove antibodies that are attacking the body's own tissues.
- Blood disorders: It can be used to remove abnormal proteins or antibodies from the blood.
- Infections: Plasmapheresis can remove harmful substances from the blood, such as toxins or bacteria.
White Blood Cell Removal:
While plasmapheresis doesn't remove white blood cells, other procedures like leukapheresis specifically target and remove white blood cells from the blood.
