APHERESES Meaning and
Definition
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Apheresis is a medical procedure that involves the removal or separation of certain components from a person's blood, typically performed using a special machine called an apheresis machine or a cell separator. This technique allows for the isolation of specific blood constituents, such as platelets, white blood cells, red blood cells, or plasma. The purpose of apheresis can vary based on the specific needs of the patient and the components being targeted.
In apheresis, blood is drawn from the individual's body through a needle or catheter, and then it is passed through the apheresis machine. The machine separates the various components of the blood based on their physical properties or the patient's medical condition. The desired component is isolated and collected, while the rest of the blood is returned to the patient's body.
Apheresis is commonly used in the treatment of certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, where harmful antibodies or excessive immune cells need to be removed from the bloodstream. It can also be employed for therapeutic purposes, such as collecting platelets or plasma for transfusions or for further laboratory analysis.
Overall, apheresis is a crucial procedure in the field of medicine that enables the selective removal or collection of specific components from a person's blood, contributing to the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases and disorders.
Common Misspellings for APHERESES
Etymology of APHERESES
The word "apheresis" originates from the Ancient Greek term "aphairesis" (ἀφαίρεσις), which means "a taking away" or "a removal". It is formed from the prefix "apo" (ἀπό), meaning "away", and the verb "hairein" (αἱρεῖν), meaning "to take" or "to choose". Over time, the morphology and pronunciation of the word changed, and it was eventually adapted into the modern English term "apheresis".
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