Plasma exchange

Features

Plasma exchange, also known as plasmapheresis, is a procedure in which a patient's blood plasma is removed from their body and replaced with plasma or a substitute solution. Plasma is the liquid part of the blood that carries cells and proteins throughout the body.

Plasma exchange can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including autoimmune disorders, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, myasthenia gravis, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, which occur when the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. Plasma exchange can help to remove the antibodies that are attacking the patient's own tissues, reducing the severity of the autoimmune response.

Plasma exchange can also be used to remove toxins, such as those caused by drug overdoses or certain infections. In addition, plasma exchange can be used to remove abnormal proteins from the blood, such as those that occur in certain blood disorders such as multiple myeloma or in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

Procedure

During plasma exchange, the patient's blood is withdrawn through a needle or catheter inserted into a vein, typically in the arm. The blood is then separated into its various components, with the plasma being removed and replaced with a substitute solution or donor plasma. The remaining blood components, such as red blood cells and platelets, are returned to the patient's body.

Notification

In general, apheresis is a relatively safe procedure and is well-tolerated by most of the patients. However, there can be some risks associated with the procedure, such as bleeding, infection, and an allergic reaction to the substitute solution or donor plasma. The procedure is typically performed in our apheresis unit or intensive care unit, and patients are closely monitored throughout the process.

Estimated Cost

The procedure cost：

Plasma exchange：27,720 NTD per person (each procedure).

Fresh frozen plasma and processing fee:  18,533 NTD per unit (each procedure).

Prices are subject to change without prior notice, and need to pay in accordance with the actual medical expense