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Therapeutic apheresis

Published on 29 July 2024

There are a range of disorders where patients would benefit from having their plasma, red cells, white cells or platelets removed.

Our services include:

  • plasma exchange
  • red cell exchange
  • white cell reduction (leukapheresis)
  • platelet reduction

We provide these services for hospital clinicians with patients who would benefit from one of these procedures. 

If you require a copy of our therapeutic plasma exchange leaflet, please contact nss.snbtsnatsops@nhs.scot

Learn more about red cell exchange on the Terumo BCT website.

You can also find out more information about conditions that we treat from international guidelines on the American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) website.

Making therapeutic apheresis referrals

Referrals must be discussed with one of our doctors.

When making a referral you'll need to have all the information required in our referral form - if you don't have this information we'll be unable to accept the patient.

The referring team may also be asked to consent the patient for the therapeutic apheresis procedure.

If you require a copy of ourtherapeutic apheresis new patient referral and assessment form, please contact nss.snbtsnatsops@nhs.scot

Contact your local apheresis unit to arrange a therapeutic apheresis procedure during normal working hours.

For out of hours referrals contact our on-call consultant through your nearest Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service laboratory.