plasmapheresis

American  

[plaz-muh-fuh-ree-sis] / ˌplæz mə fəˈri sɪs /

noun

Medicine/Medical.

1. a type of apheresis in which blood cells are returned to the bloodstream of the donor and the plasma is used, as for tranfusion.

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plasmapheresis British  

/ ˌplæzməˈfɛrəsəs /

noun

1. (in blood transfusion) a technique for removing healthy or infected plasma by separating it from the red blood cells by settling or using a centrifuge and retransfusing the red blood cells into the donor or patient

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Etymology

Origin of plasmapheresis

First recorded in 1915–20; plasm- + apheresis

Compare meaning

How does plasmapheresis compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• apheresis vs. plasmapheresis

Example Sentences

Today, first-line immunotherapies include plasmapheresis, in which blood is circulated outside the body to purge plasma of antibodies, or an infusion of immunoglobulins—antibodies produced by plasma cells—which prompts the body to sop up autoantibodies.

From Science Magazine • May 15, 2024

When traditional treatments don’t work, plasmapheresis, which removes or exchanges blood plasma from the body, can also be an option.

From National Geographic • Oct. 3, 2023

And if plasmapheresis could lower the level of amyloid-β in the brain, then perhaps it could treat Alzheimer's disease.

From Nature • Sep. 26, 2017

Most of these patients get treated by plasmapheresis, a blood-filtering process akin to dialysis that involves being hooked to a machine for several hours over the course of a week.

From Washington Post • Feb. 13, 2016

Using a blood-filtering technique known as plasmapheresis, doctors can now lower the odds that a recipient will reject an incompatible kidney.

From New York Times • Feb. 19, 2012