Filtration Plasmapheresis
Filtration plasmapheresis is a widely utilized technique by nephrologists and other trained physicians to treat patients with severe illnesses. This procedure involves passing the entire blood through a specialized filter to separate the plasma from larger components such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. An advantage of this method is that the filter can be incorporated into a standard hemodialysis circuit, which is particularly beneficial for patients already undergoing hemodialysis treatment. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of filtration plasmapheresis may vary depending on the size of the molecules targeted, making it less suitable for certain diseases.
Centrifugation Plasmapheresis
Centrifugation plasmapheresis is a widely used method in blood banks and plasma donation centers. This process involves spinning the whole blood in a centrifuge, which effectively separates it into its four components. One major advantage of this method is that there is no restriction on the size of the molecules that can be eliminated from the blood. However, if the procedure is performed in a hospital setting, external services are often required.