Question 1

what does apheresis mean?

Accepted Answer

Pheresis: Is essence is a process where blood is "filtered" to extract either cellular products, red cells, white cells or a substance for either re-infusion (cell) or removal a macroglobulin in plasmapheresis in waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia.

Question 2

how can i reduce apheresis donation time?

Accepted Answer

The limitng factor: Is often the quality (ie size) of the venous access.

Question 3

what are the risks with apheresis?

Accepted Answer

Tetany: Tetany or muscle spasms due to low calcium is quite common since your blood is mixed with a substance that removes calcium to prevent the blood from clotting as it runs through the apheresis machine. Other risks include infection, low blood pressure, hematoma at the needle site, bleeding, nausea among other things.

Question 4

does apheresis make your blood calcium low?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yes it does happen.

Question 5

is there a risk of anaphylaxis with apheresis?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: "unlikely" because an aphorism in medicine is "never say never" but highly unlikely as the stuff returned to you is the stuff that was removed minus something. No foreign material is added to which your immune system could identify and react. In fact, apheresis aka plasmapheresis is sometimes used to treat serious cases of recurrent anaphylaxis where the cause is unknown or idiopathic.

Question 6

how to go about donating platelets by apheresis?

Accepted Answer

Platelet Donation: A platelet donor using apheresis must meet requirements for a regular blood donor and: 1) be at least 16 years old 2) be in good health 3) weigh at least 110 pounds 4) have a good vein 5) refrain from taking aspirin, or products containing Aspirin or feldene, (piroxicam) for 48 hours prior to donating. Always check with your local blood donation center first before going to donate.

Question 7

who can donate platelets via apheresis?

Accepted Answer

Platelet Donation: A platelet donor using apheresis must meet requirements for a regular blood donor and: 1) be at least 16 years old 2) be in good health 3) weigh at least 110 pounds 4) have a good vein 5) refrain from taking aspirin, or products containing Aspirin or feldene, (piroxicam) for 48 hours prior to donating. Always check with your local blood donation center first before going to donate.

Question 8

how long should i wait to exercise after an apheresis blood donation?

Accepted Answer

Not long: It might be recommended to wait a few hours to let the puncture site heal a bit and rehydrate, but usually no more than that needed for light exercise.

Question 9

when donating blood is it better to do a whole blood donation or apheresis?

Accepted Answer

Apheresis: Is associated with less dizziness since they give you some of the blood volume back so you may feel a bit better vs whole blood donation.

Question 10

how long am i suppose to wait to exercise after giving an apheresis blood donation?

Accepted Answer

Usually next day OK: The phlebotomist / nurse will instruct you as you are being bandaged at the end of the process to avoid tobacco for a few hours, alcohol for the day, heavy lifting (--or strenuous activity--) for 8 hours or until the next day, etc. If you will be using your arms a lot, might be wise to put a bandaid over puncture site, but should be ok by next day.

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Doctor answers about:

Apheresis

A member asked:

What does apheresis mean?

A member asked:

How can i reduce apheresis donation time?

A member asked:

What are the risks with apheresis?

A member asked:

Does apheresis make your blood calcium low?

A member asked:

Is there a risk of anaphylaxis with apheresis?

A member asked:

How to go about donating platelets by apheresis?

A member asked:

Who can donate platelets via apheresis?

A member asked:

How long should i wait to exercise after an apheresis blood donation?

A member asked:

When donating blood is it better to do a whole blood donation or apheresis?

A member asked:

How long am i suppose to wait to exercise after giving an apheresis blood donation?

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