plasmapheresis

[ plaz-muh-fuh-ree-sis ]

noun

, Medicine/Medical.

1. a type of apheresis in which blood cells are returned to the bloodstream of the donor and the plasma is used, as for tranfusion.

plasmapheresis

/ ˌplæzməˈfɛrəsəs /

noun

1. (in blood transfusion) a technique for removing healthy or infected plasma by separating it from the red blood cells by settling or using a centrifuge and retransfusing the red blood cells into the donor or patient

Word History and Origins

Origin of plasmapheresis¹

First recorded in 1915–20; plasm- + apheresis

Word History and Origins

Origin of plasmapheresis¹

C20: from plasm + Greek aphairesis taking away

Example Sentences

After he was treated with plasmapheresis and rituximab, his condition stabilized for a year before “the underlying genetic disease” began to progress again, Prüss says.

From Science Magazine

When traditional treatments don’t work, plasmapheresis, which removes or exchanges blood plasma from the body, can also be an option.

From National Geographic

Other ways of overcoming autoimmunity, like the removal of antibodies against interferon from the blood, called plasmapheresis, could also help patients.

From Seattle Times

She was only the 217th person in the world to be diagnosed with the disorder and among the first to receive the concoction of steroids, immunoglobulin infusions and plasmapheresis she credits for her recovery.

From New York Times

In severe cases, intravenous immunoglobulin therapy and plasmapheresis — or plasma exchange — are sometimes considered.

From Fox News