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 1^st 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