Apheresis is derived from Greek word: “to carry away”
- A technique in which whole blood, separating and collecting any of the components, whilst returning remaining blood component to maintain haemodynamic status.
- This allows the desired portion (e.g., plasma) to be removed and the reminder returned.
Historical background:
- In 1660 1st experimental apheresis performed by Richard Lower, Oxford, England.
- 1902-14, Plasmapheresis performed in France, Russia and USA.
- In 1960, Solomen and Fahey used Manual Therapeutic Plasmapheresis to reduce elevated Ig levels in Hyperviscocity Syndrome.
- Now a day’s automated cell separator machine is used to collect and/or treat blood components in apheresis.
Last modified: 13/06/2017