Plasmapheresis

(Redirected from Plasma exchange)

Overview

  • Involves extracorporeal separation of blood products, resulting in filtered plasma product
  • Patient's plasma is removed, blood cells re-infused, and (usually) donor plasma transfused
  • In US and other high-resourced settings, separation typically done by automated centrifuge

Indications

Contraindications

  • Hemodynamic instability, sepsis, or other conditions causing inability to tolerate fluid shifts
  • Inability to tolerate central line placement
  • Allergy to FFP or albumin
  • Severe hypocalcemia (citrate anticoagulant will precipitate calcium and worsen hypocalcemia)

Equipment Needed

  • Dialysis or pheresis catheter
  • Central line supplies
  • Automated centrifuge or semipermeable membrane
  • FFP

Procedure

  • See central line
  • Additional steps specific to device being used to apherese, consult specialist for this!

Complications

See Also

External Links

References

Authors: