What is Plasmapheresis?

What is Plasmapheresis?
Plasmapheresis is a process similar to donating blood. The fluid portion, called plasma, is removed from the red blood cells using a sterile, disposable collection system. The red blood cells and platelets are returned to the donor while the plasma, which contains the antibodies, is retained. Due to the red blood cells and platelets being returned to the donor, plasmapheresis can be performed up to two times within a seven day period.
Plasma is the straw colored, liquid portion of the blood that is mainly composed of water. It contains the antibodies that are used to make positive controls in diagnostic test kits.
Donations are made at a Access Biologicals’s FDA licensed plasma collection centers by an experienced healthcare professional. The plasmapheresis process usually only takes about an hour. Before donating a unit of plasma, it is best to drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids such as water. Coffee, tea and other caffeine containing liquids should be avoid due to their diuretic action.