staff immediately if they feel these symptoms or feel uncomfortable. The medical staff can slow down or stop
the procedure for a short time before deciding whether to continue.
Q. How long does a Plasma Exchange take?
A. This varies from patient to patient and with the type of blood cell separator utilized. The blood cell separators usually perform a plasma exchange in approximately two hours.
Q. Are patients left on their own?
A. No. The medical staff will be there all the time. A physician generally examines a patient before the procedure begins and is available nearby throughout the procedure.
Q. How often do Plasma Exchanges need to be performed?
A. The number of plasma exchanges varies, according to the disease treated and patient response. The physician monitors the clinical response and determines the necessary number and frequency of plasma exchanges to
be performed.
Q. Can patients catch a disease from the supplies being used?
A. No. The blood tubing set and needles are sterile, used only one time, and then discarded. Anticoagulant,
normal saline, and albumin replacement fluid are also sterile solutions. There is some risk of disease transmission when fresh frozen plasma is used as a replacement fluid.
Q. Can a patient have something to eat or drink during a procedure?
A. There’s generally no reason why most patients can’t eat or drink during the procedure. A patient should
drink some fluids and use the bathroom before the procedure begins.
Q. Can a patient have visitors?
A. Once the procedure is under way, you are usually allowed visitors. If there are any other questions you would like to have answered, ask the medical staff or physician.