 |
Aphaeresis |
 |
What is aphaeresis? |
|
• Aphaeresis is a method of collecting blood that separates the different components of the blood at the outset. If we extract platelets, it is known as Plateletpheresis; and if plasma, as Plasmapheresis. We can also obtain the two components in the same process, which is more efficient.
|
• The components of blood that we transfuse can be divided into three main types: Red blood cells (which oxygenate the tissues), Plasma (a liquid containing different coagulants and other proteins that help to stop haemorrhages in haemophiliacs, cirrhotics, etc., in suspension) and Platelets (which also stop haemorrhages and are destined for patients undergoing chemotherapy or bone marrow transplants, leukaemia sufferers, etc.).
|
|
What is the aphaeresis process? |
• By means of a machine equipped with a centrifugal system, the plasma and/or platelets from the donor are separated and then the other components (fundamentally red blood cells) are returned by the same route. The process is carried out through a single vein puncture using a disposable sterile circuit designed to safeguard both the donor and the recipient to the utmost.
• The final product obtained is equivalent to one therapeutic dose, i.e. the platelets from one donation are enough for one transfusion, in contrast to those obtained from conventional blood donation process, in which it is necessary to transfuse the breakdown of six donations, i.e. from six different donors.
|
|
Who is suitable for aphaeresis? |
• Any blood donor with easily accessible veins from any blood group, who has none of the contraindications mentioned in the questionnaire which is always completed before each donation. It is important not to have taken aspirin in the previous 7 days.
|
|
Frequency and duration of aphaeresis |
• This type of donation can be done much more often than conventional blood donations because the components of the blood recover naturally in less than a week. The process normally lasts a maximum of one hour and is very well tolerated by donors.
• Donating plasma and/or platelets through the aphaeresis process, just like giving blood, is an anonymous, voluntary and altruistic act which is always monitored by qualified staff.
|
|
|
