Plasmapheresis

How does it work?

The donor is connected to a cell separator, which is based on a centrifuge system that separates the different blood cells and collects the plasma. Then, whilst the donor is still connected to the cell separator, the remaining cells are transfused back to them.

Plasmapheresis:

• Produces a large amount of plasma (600 ml, compared with 250 ml from a donation of total blood).
• Allows donors to recover almost immediately because they retain their red blood cells. Aphaeresis donations may be repeated after two weeks, which means that, if desired, up to 12 donations may be given a year.
• Can be alternated with total blood donations providing the minimum time gap of two months is respected and the limit for the number of annual donations is not exceeded.

Who can be a plasmapheresis donor?

Essentially, any blood donor can be a plasmapheresis donor, including some people who have a tendency to be anaemic, who are unable to make repeated total blood donations.

Donors from all blood groups can make plasmapheresis donations, although there is a preference for AB group donors as they provide universal plasma. The only thing that is needed is time – the process takes about 40 minutes.

The six stages involved in plasmapheresis

1. Arrange an appointment with the Banc de Sang i Teixits: our medical, nursing and technical staff have everything prepared for when the you arrive. The Banc de Sang i Teixits will work round your availability.
2. Complete a questionnaire and sign a consent form.
3. Have a medical examination.
4. Have a snack.
5. Prendre un refrigeri.
6. If you wish, make a next appointment.

Blood products

Every day, patients in Catalonia need medicines produced using blood plasma. These medicines are called blood products and their use is becoming more common because of their wide range of therapeutic applications.

Diversity of blood products

Banc de Sang i Teixits makes the following blood products using blood plasma:

• Albumin
• Factor VIII
• Factor IX
• Immunoglobulins
• Alpha-1-antitrypsin
• Antithrombin III

What are the therapeutic applications of blood products?

Some of the diseases treated using blood products made from plasma are:

• Haemophilia (A and B) and other congenital coagulation deficiencies where patients suffer serious haemorrhages that can appear spontaneously and with no apparent cause.
• Autoimmune diseases, when patients create antibodies against their own tissues.
• Congenital immune deficiencies that cause serious infections, with no apparent origin, as a result of day-to-day contact with bacteria and viruses as a result of failures in the immune system.

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Any questions? Call us and we’ll be happy to help. 93 557 35 00 - atencioaldonant(ELIMINAR)@bst.cat