plasmapheresis

noun

plas·​ma·​phe·​re·​sis ˌplaz-mə-fə-ˈrē-səs How to pronounce plasmapheresis (audio) -ˈfer-ə-səs How to pronounce plasmapheresis (audio)
: 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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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

Time Traveler
The first known use of plasmapheresis was in 1914

Dictionary Entries Near plasmapheresis

Cite this Entry

“Plasmapheresis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plasmapheresis. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

plasmapheresis

noun
plas·​ma·​pher·​e·​sis ˌplaz-mə-ˈfer-ə-səs How to pronounce plasmapheresis (audio) -fə-ˈrē-səs How to pronounce plasmapheresis (audio)
plural plasmaphereses -ˌsēz How to pronounce plasmapheresis (audio)
: apheresis used to remove blood plasma (as in the treatment of myasthenia gravis or in the collection of blood plasma for use in transfusion)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!