A practical method of therapeutic plasmapheresis.
Plasmapheresis is a process in which whole blood is removed from an individual and the red cells returned; this enables a larger volume of plasma to be withdrawn than from the normal donation of whole blood. This paper deals with the manual technique of plasmapheresis performed by means of a single phlebotomy, or a cut-down using an artery and a vein, with simple equipment and minimal risk to the patient. The technique is economical, and suitable for patients with a normal haemoglobin level as well as for anaemic patients, and may be used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
D006801:Humans; D010956:Plasmapheresis / Q000379:methods*