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Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) is a procedure done to remove part
of a person's blood that may be the cause of a disease. In plasma exchange,
whole blood is withdrawn and the liquid portion (plasma) is separated from the
red and white blood cells and replaced with a saline and albumin (protein)
Plasma exchange requires access to a large vein. The procedure may
be more dangerous if it is performed on older adults or people with heart
Current as of:
February 5, 2016
Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
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