What Is Apheresis?
Apheresis is a procedure in which blood is withdrawn from the body using a specialized device, its components (such as plasma, platelets, leukocytes, lipids, antibodies, etc.) are separated, and either the targeted component is collected or undesired components are removed from the circulation. During the procedure, blood is taken through a vascular access, processed by the device, and after the targeted component is separated, the remaining blood components are returned to the patient.
Apheresis can be applied either as a therapeutic method to remove disease-causing or excess cells from the body, or for donation purposes. In addition to certain neurological conditions, apheresis is also used in the treatment of cancers and various hematologic disorders, as well as for the collection of platelets and plasma in blood donation.
What Is Apheresis Donation?
Apheresis donation is the process of collecting specific blood components—most commonly platelets or plasma—from healthy volunteers. Unlike whole blood donation, only the required component is collected during apheresis donation, while the remaining blood components are returned to the donor.
Apheresis donation plays a critical role in meeting the platelet and plasma needs of:
- Patients undergoing cancer treatment
- Individuals who have received bone marrow transplantation
- Patients in intensive care units
How Is Apheresis Performed?
Apheresis procedures are carried out by trained healthcare professionals using specialized apheresis devices that remove blood from circulation and process it through advanced filtration systems.
The general procedure includes the following steps:
- The eligibility of the patient or donor is evaluated by a physician
- Blood values of the patient or donor are checked prior to the procedure
- The patient or donor is informed about the device and method to be used
- Medication use and allergy history are reviewed
- Vascular access is established (single-arm or dual-arm)
- Blood is drawn into the apheresis device through the vascular access
- The targeted component is separated
- The remaining blood components are returned to the individual
The duration of the procedure varies depending on the type of apheresis performed, but typically lasts between 1.5 and 3 hours. During the procedure, the patient or donor is usually seated and continuously monitored.
What Are the Possible Complications of Apheresis?
Although apheresis is generally a safe procedure, certain complications may rarely occur.
Possible complications include:
- Decrease in blood pressure
- Allergic reactions
- Dizziness or fatigue
- Fluid overload and edema
- Blood clotting or bleeding
- Infection
- Numbness (related to temporary changes in calcium levels)
- Rarely, vascular access–related complications
These effects are usually temporary and are closely monitored by the healthcare team during the procedure. If necessary, the procedure may be discontinued or supportive measures may be taken. The decision regarding when and for whom apheresis should be performed is made by the physician following a comprehensive evaluation.
In Which Diseases and Conditions Is Apheresis Used?
Apheresis may be used as part of treatment in various medical conditions. The most common indications include:
- Stem cell collection for bone marrow transplantation
- Neurological diseases (e.g., myasthenia gravis)
- Hematologic diseases (as supportive treatment in conditions such as leukemia)
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus)
- Certain metabolic and lipid disorders
- Poisonings and conditions with elevated drug levels
- Specific clinical situations before or after organ transplantation
The necessity and type of apheresis are determined by the relevant specialist physician based on the characteristics of the disease.
What Are the Benefits of Apheresis?
When applied to appropriate patients with correct indications, apheresis may:
- Help reduce harmful components in the blood that contribute to disease
- Support response to treatment
- Assist in controlling symptoms in certain conditions
Apheresis also allows the collection of a larger amount of platelets or plasma from a single donor, thereby minimizing the patient’s exposure to blood products from multiple donors.
However, apheresis is not considered a standalone treatment method; it is most often evaluated as part of a multidisciplinary treatment approach.
What Is an Apheresis Unit?
An apheresis unit is a specialized department where apheresis procedures are performed with appropriate technical infrastructure and trained healthcare personnel. Both therapeutic apheresis applications and apheresis donations can be carried out in these units.
Güven Hospital Apheresis Unit
The Güven Hospital Apheresis Unit provides apheresis procedures in accordance with current medical standards, with a strong emphasis on patient safety and monitoring.
Within the unit, the following principles are prioritized:
- Appropriate patient selection
- Close monitoring before and after the procedure
- Coordination with relevant specialty physicians
Personalized evaluation is carried out based on these principles. The apheresis process is planned in line with the patient’s overall condition and treatment plan and is conducted by an experienced healthcare team.
