The term “leukapheresis” is a method wherein in a sample of blood, the white blood cells are being removed. It is a particular form of apheresis wherein a part of the blood is being extricated while the blood that is left will go back into circulation.
Leukapheresis is usually used to minimize the high amount of white blood cells. It is being used for the following reasons: CAR T-cell therapy, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), chemotherapy-induced leukopenia, and systemic infections related to granulocytopenia.
Risks
Before proceeding, it is essential to know the risks of this procedure and not just the excellent benefits of it. After all, leukapheresis usually is safe, and your doctor would not suggest it if it is not suitable for you.
These are the possible dangers that may be associated with leukapheresis:
Anemia
Anemia can occasionally happen when red blood cells immediately drop. The majority of the cases are mild.
Hypocalcemia
Hypocalcemia is the term being called for an unusual drop of calcium in the blood that might occur when white blood cells are removed. The disappearance of calcium can cause insensibility in the hands and feet. Eating foods rich in calcium and taking calcium supplements can usually prevent this.
Before the method
Leukapheresis is an organized method. It is being executed in two ways:
- Continuous apheresis
In continuous apheresis, it includes the elimination of the blood from one puncture of a vein, and the blood that is returning will enter in a separate leak of a thread. This is the usual form of apheresis.
- Intermittent apheresis
In Intermittent apheresis, it includes the elimination of the blood from one puncture of a vein, which after revolving, will come back again in the body through the same hole of a vein.
Time
The procedure takes between 1-3 hours in Leukapheresis, which depends on the demonstration for the method that will be used.
Location
Leukapheresis is usually done in a hospital or specialized facilty that has apheresis.
Food and Drink
The majority of the doctors will suggest that you drink liquids before the procedure, but caffeine should be ignored.
Method
Leukapheresis can be done by a hematologist (blood specialist), certified medical technologist, nurse, or doctor qualified to perform leukapheresis.
If you are already cleared for the procedure, you will now be going to the apheresis room. The nurse will suggest that you should go to the bathroom since when the system starts, you will not be able to move because there is a machine that will connect to you.
After the procedure
After leukapheresis’s process, you will be asked to relax for some time to make sure you do not feel dizzy. Once cleared by the nurse, you can now go home. But for your safety, find someone you can accompany with while going back.
It is not unusual to feel exhausted after the Leukapheresis. To earn your energy again, you should limit the routine you are doing for 12 to 24 hours.
Call your doctor as soon as possible if you feel the increasing intensity of pain in the area of the injection.
