Plasmapheresis (plasma exchange)

Plasmapheresis, or plasma exchange, is used to help people with specific kidney problems and other health issues. The sense of the treatment is where the liquid portion of the blood, known as plasma, is taken out from the rest of the bloodstream. The plasma might have harmful antibodies that can hurt your immune system when you're unwell. In the treatment, a machine separates this plasma, treats it, and then puts it back into the body or replaces it with a healthy solution like saline or albumin. This process is often likened to kidney dialysis due to its similar blood-cleaning method. Before the treatment, a nephrologist looks at your health history and gives you a physical check-up. Then, you'll have several lab tests to receive more information about your health problems. The plasmapheresis procedure takes from one to three hours. The frequency of treatment is based on the condition being treated. After the process, the doctor cares about you and gives symptomatic therapies. Plasmapheresis (so-called blood cleaning) can quickly eliminate harmful substances in your blood, which can help you feel better in some kidney, autoimmune, or nerve disorders. Targeting the toxic things in your plasma can manage your symptoms, slow down the disease, and make you feel better in your day-to-day life.