What procedure involves withdrawal of blood to obtain plasma and reinfusion of red blood cells into the donor?

What procedure involves withdrawal of blood to obtain plasma and reinfusion of red blood cells into the donor?

• A. Leukapheresis
• B. Plateletpheresis
• C. Plasmapheresis
• D. Erythrocytapheresis

Answer: (C)

Plasmapheresis is the procedure where plasma is removed from the blood and the red blood cells are reinfused back into the donor. Blood is drawn, plasma is separated and collected for use, and the cellular components—mainly red blood cells—are returned, often with fluids to replace the removed plasma. This is different from erythrocytapheresis, where red blood cells are removed and plasma is returned; leukapheresis targets white blood cells, and plateletpheresis targets platelets.

Plasmapheresis is the procedure where plasma is removed from the blood and the red blood cells are reinfused back into the donor. Blood is drawn, plasma is separated and collected for use, and the cellular components—mainly red blood cells—are returned, often with fluids to replace the removed plasma. This is different from erythrocytapheresis, where red blood cells are removed and plasma is returned; leukapheresis targets white blood cells, and plateletpheresis targets platelets.