cytapheresis

Cytapheresis is a medical procedure used to separate and remove specific types of blood cells from a patient's bloodstream. The term is derived from the Greek words "kytos," meaning cell, and "apheresis," meaning separation. This procedure is typically performed to treat certain blood disorders, such as multiple myeloma, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, and certain types of leukemia. During cytapheresis, the patient's blood is drawn and passed through a machine that separates the targeted cells from the rest of the blood. The separated cells are then collected and the remaining blood is returned to the patient. This process can be repeated multiple times to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. Cytapheresis is considered a safe and effective treatment option for many blood disorders, but it requires careful monitoring and management to minimize potential side effects, such as bleeding and infection. The procedure is usually performed in a hospital setting by a team of healthcare professionals, including a hematologist, a phlebotomist, and a nurse.