Phytopharmacology

Therapeutic Apheresis CLICK HERE FOR PATIENT EDUCATION Apheresis refers to the process of separating the cellular and soluble components of blood using a machine. Apheresis is often done on donors where whole blood is centrifuged to obtain individual components (eg, RBCs, platelets, plasma-based on specific gravity) to use for transfusion in different patients. Apheresis may also be used therapeutically to treat various disorders ( 1 ). Therapeutic apheresis includes  plasma exchange  and  cytapheresis Apheresis is generally tolerated by healthy donors. However, many minor and a few major risks exist. Insertion of the large IV catheters necessary for apheresis can cause complications (eg, bleeding, infection,  pneumothorax ). Citrate anticoagulants may decrease serum ionized calcium. Replacement of the patient's plasma with a colloidal solution (eg, 5% albumin or fresh frozen plasma does not replace IgG and coagulatio...