Plasma exchange is a procedure that involves the removal of the colorless fluid of the blood also known as blood plasma that contains harmful substances that can cause a condition which may threaten the life of an individual. The blood, however, is not returned to the patient, but only the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets that remain. A substitute is used to replace the plasma and functions in the same way as the plasma did. This procedure is useful in removing any abnormal substances contained in the fluid that may cause severe symptoms to the patient. In the case where such a condition has escalated, the Therapeutic Plasma Exchange should be performed.
Mostly, this procedure is undertaken as a remedy for neurological conditions and illnesses that lead to harmful antibody creation in the body. The reason is that these compounds will be suspended in this fluid. It is a method that deals with other diseases like acute pancreatitis, myasthenia gravis, and Lambert-Eaton and so on. This procedure is not concerned with offering the actual or definite cure for the conditions but is lowers their progress rate and resistance ability.
The main procedure is done within a unique machine designed for this particular purpose. It works on the principle of separating the various blood components so as to effectively drain out the colorless fluid while causing no interference to the other parts. These procedures usually take a maximum of four hours to complete and should be done several times in order to ensure the complete removal of the fluid.
Blood is drawn from the veins of a patient through the insertion of an IV needle on both arms. The connection between the machine and the patient is the tubing. It is important that blood clots are prevented and therefore the medicinal substances commonly referred to as anticoagulants are added to the drawn blood to prevent it from forming clots.
The machine separates the colorless fluid and removes it. It is then substituted with either saline or albumin which are designed to function in the same ways as the plasma. It is however not as effective and may require additional calcium and potassium-containing substances. If possible the fluid should be replaced with one donated by another human.
However, this procedure is also risky in its own way. The first risk is that if the replacement comes from a donor whose antibodies are not compatible with yours, this may cause reactions that may result in conditions like anaphylaxis. On the other hand, in the case where saline or albumin is used, the body may become prone to health risks more as they do not contain enough proteins as compared to this fluid.
This procedure should only be carried out if the condition can be effectively treated by it. There are evidence-based guidelines provided by the American Society for Apheresis which are regularly updated and should be followed before the operation is done.
With all the risks involved, it is considered to be a comparatively safe procedure. Studies have shown that these exchanges are well tolerated by the body. In the case of adverse side effects, supplementary medications can be administered to lower the symptoms and risks of other infections.
Mostly, this procedure is undertaken as a remedy for neurological conditions and illnesses that lead to harmful antibody creation in the body. The reason is that these compounds will be suspended in this fluid. It is a method that deals with other diseases like acute pancreatitis, myasthenia gravis, and Lambert-Eaton and so on. This procedure is not concerned with offering the actual or definite cure for the conditions but is lowers their progress rate and resistance ability.
The main procedure is done within a unique machine designed for this particular purpose. It works on the principle of separating the various blood components so as to effectively drain out the colorless fluid while causing no interference to the other parts. These procedures usually take a maximum of four hours to complete and should be done several times in order to ensure the complete removal of the fluid.
Blood is drawn from the veins of a patient through the insertion of an IV needle on both arms. The connection between the machine and the patient is the tubing. It is important that blood clots are prevented and therefore the medicinal substances commonly referred to as anticoagulants are added to the drawn blood to prevent it from forming clots.
The machine separates the colorless fluid and removes it. It is then substituted with either saline or albumin which are designed to function in the same ways as the plasma. It is however not as effective and may require additional calcium and potassium-containing substances. If possible the fluid should be replaced with one donated by another human.
However, this procedure is also risky in its own way. The first risk is that if the replacement comes from a donor whose antibodies are not compatible with yours, this may cause reactions that may result in conditions like anaphylaxis. On the other hand, in the case where saline or albumin is used, the body may become prone to health risks more as they do not contain enough proteins as compared to this fluid.
This procedure should only be carried out if the condition can be effectively treated by it. There are evidence-based guidelines provided by the American Society for Apheresis which are regularly updated and should be followed before the operation is done.
With all the risks involved, it is considered to be a comparatively safe procedure. Studies have shown that these exchanges are well tolerated by the body. In the case of adverse side effects, supplementary medications can be administered to lower the symptoms and risks of other infections.
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