Therapeutic Apheresis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 4, 2025.
AMBULATORY CARE:
What you need to know about therapeutic apheresis (TA):
TA is a procedure to filter your blood. Your blood is put into a machine that spins and separates the 4 parts that make up your blood. The 4 parts are red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. The part of your blood causing your condition or symptoms is removed and may be replaced with healthy fluid. Your blood is then returned to your body.
How to prepare for TA:
Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare. This depends on the type of TA you will have. You may be given medicines to help prepare your blood. You may be told to drink more liquids to help increase your fluid volume. Your provider will tell you how much liquid to drink and which liquids are best for you. Your provider will tell you if you need any tests before your procedure, and when to have them.
What will happen during TA:
You will lie or sit in a bed or chair. An IV will be placed in each arm. You may instead need a central catheter. A central catheter is an IV that goes to your heart through a vein in your neck or groin. A central catheter may have more than 1 port. One IV or port will draw blood out to the machine. The other will return the filtered blood to your body. You may also receive medicines, liquids, or electrolytes to help prevent any problems. The procedure may take several hours to complete.
What to expect after TA:
Healthcare providers will monitor you for any problems during and after the procedure. When providers see you are okay you may be able to go home. You may instead be taken back to your hospital room. You may be able to return to your normal daily activities when you are discharged.
Related medications
Risks of TA:
You may develop an infection or bleeding at the IV site. You may develop a blood clot. You may develop an electrolyte imbalance or low calcium or magnesium. Your blood pressure may get too low. Your fluid volume may be too high or too low. You may have an allergic reaction. This can be life-threatening.
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US), or have someone call if:
- You have a seizure.
- You have swelling in your mouth, throat, or eyes or you have trouble breathing.
- You have shortness of breath or chest pain.
Seek care immediately if:
- Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
- You feel weak, dizzy, confused, or faint.
- You have tingling in your mouth, lips, or tongue.
- Your muscles are stiff, achy, or have spasms.
- You have an abnormal heartbeat.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever.
- Your IV site is red, swollen, or painful.
- You have nausea or you vomit.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
You will need to return for tests to check your progress. You may need to have TA done more than 1 time depending on your condition. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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