plasmapheresis

noun

plas·​ma·​phe·​re·​sis ˌplaz-mə-fə-ˈrē-səs  -ˈfer-ə-səs 

: a process for removing blood plasma without depleting the donor or patient of other blood constituents (such as red blood cells) by separating out the plasma from the whole blood and returning the rest to the donor's or patient's circulatory system

Examples of plasmapheresis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The traditional plasmapheresis method uses a rapid spinning process to separate different components in blood cells from the plasma. —Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 8 Aug. 2024

Therapeutic Plasmapheresis Therapeutic plasmapheresis removes certain components from plasma and then returns the plasma back to the body. —Gagandeep Brar, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 2024

The term plasmapheresis is often used interchangeably with plasma exchange, but the two procedures are slightly different. —Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 8 Aug. 2024

John was trying something new, treating it with plasmapheresis. —Grant Delin, Discover Magazine, 11 May 2012

Yale Medicine says that doctors can prescribe medications including sedatives, muscle relaxants, and steroids; immunotherapies such as intravenous immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis; and other modalities like physical, occupational, and aqua therapy. —Hanna Lustig, Glamour, 8 Dec. 2022

Wherry also pointed to a longstanding practice called plasmapheresis, which removes patients' plasma (the liquid portion of blood) in hopes of also removing harmful antibodies. —Aria Bendix, NBC News, 27 Sep. 2022

Hurd’s transplant protocol wiped her immune system through medications and plasmapheresis treatment immediately before and after transplant surgery. —Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2022

If your symptoms are progressing very rapidly, your doctor may also order plasmapheresis, which filters your blood to remove harmful proteins, says the National Kidney Foundation. —Hallie Levine, Health.com, 27 Oct. 2021

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from plasm- + Greek aphairesis taking off — more at aphaeresis

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

plasmapheresis

noun

plas·​ma·​pher·​e·​sis ˌplaz-mə-ˈfer-ə-səs  -fə-ˈrē-səs 

plural plasmaphereses -ˌsēz 

: apheresis used to remove blood plasma (as in the treatment of myasthenia gravis or in the collection of blood plasma for use in transfusion)