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Aphaeresis is a medical procedure used to separate blood components. This process involves drawing blood from a donor or patient, passing it through a machine that selectively removes specific components, and then returning the remaining blood to the donor or patient. The removed components can be used for various therapeutic purposes or research.

The apheresis machine, often referred to as an apheresis device or apheresis system, utilizes centrifugal or membrane filtration techniques to achieve the separation. Centrifugal apheresis spins the blood at high speed, separating components based on density. Membrane filtration employs semi-permeable membranes that allow certain components to pass through while retaining others.

Commonly separated components include plasma, platelets, white blood cells, and stem cells. Therapeutic apheresis can be employed to treat conditions like hyperviscosity syndrome, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and certain autoimmune diseases by removing harmful substances from the blood. In donation settings, apheresis allows for the collection of a larger quantity of specific blood components, such as platelets, which are vital for patients undergoing chemotherapy or surgery.

The procedure is generally considered safe, with potential risks typically being minor and temporary, such as lightheadedness or bruising at the venipuncture site. Strict protocols and trained medical professionals ensure the safety and efficacy of apheresis treatments. The ability to precisely collect or remove specific blood elements makes apheresis a valuable tool in modern medicine.