Acute Apheresis Services
Rapid therapeutic plasma exchange for autoimmune and hematologic emergencies. Our specialized team can be on-site within hours for life-threatening conditions like TTP.
Comprehensive Apheresis Capabilities
Expert therapeutic apheresis for your most complex patients
Rapid Emergency Response
On-site within hours for emergencies like TTP. 24/7 availability for life-threatening conditions requiring urgent plasma exchange.
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange
Complete plasma exchange with albumin or FFP replacement. Removes pathogenic antibodies, immune complexes, and toxins.
Experienced Specialists
Nephrologists and nurses with specific apheresis training. Hundreds of procedures performed across multiple conditions.
Multiple Indications
TTP, Guillain-Barré, myasthenia gravis, ANCA vasculitis, anti-GBM disease, and more. ASFA category I-IV conditions treated.
Flexible Scheduling
Daily procedures for acute TTP. Scheduled series for autoimmune conditions. Urgent add-on capability.
Complete Service
All equipment, supplies, and blood products coordinated. Citrate management and replacement fluid protocols optimized.
Why Choose KidneyCare for Apheresis
- Rapid response for emergencies (TTP mortality without treatment >90%)
- Board-certified nephrologists with apheresis expertise
- All equipment and supplies provided
- Coordination with blood bank for replacement fluids
- Citrate anticoagulation and reaction management
- Post-procedure monitoring and follow-up protocols
Trusted Partner Since 2008
Over 15 years of experience providing acute dialysis services to hospitals and healthcare facilities across Southern California.
Conditions We Treat with Therapeutic Apheresis
Our apheresis program covers the full spectrum of ASFA-indicated conditions:
Hematologic Emergencies
- Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP): Daily plasma exchange until platelet recovery
- Atypical HUS: When eculizumab is unavailable or contraindicated
- Hyperviscosity Syndrome: Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, multiple myeloma
- Cryoglobulinemia: Severe symptomatic disease
Neurologic Conditions
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): Alternative or adjunct to IVIG
- Myasthenia Gravis Crisis: Acute exacerbation or pre-thymectomy
- Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
- Multiple Sclerosis: Acute fulminant attacks
- NMDA Receptor Encephalitis
Renal Conditions
- Anti-GBM Disease (Goodpasture's): Pulmonary hemorrhage
- ANCA Vasculitis: Severe or refractory disease
- Recurrent FSGS Post-Transplant
- Antibody-Mediated Rejection
Other Indications
- Drug Overdose/Toxins: Protein-bound toxins
- Liver Failure Support: Bridge to transplant
- ABO-Incompatible Transplant Preparation
Our Apheresis Protocol
Every apheresis patient receives:
- Nephrologist evaluation and prescription design
- Blood bank coordination for replacement fluids
- Vascular access assessment and placement if needed
- Citrate anticoagulation with calcium replacement
- Continuous vital sign monitoring
- Post-procedure labs and assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can you respond to a TTP emergency?
TTP is a medical emergency with >90% mortality if untreated. We can typically have a team on-site within 4 hours. For hospitals with established contracts, response is often faster. We recommend contacting us immediately when TTP is suspected.
What replacement fluids do you use?
For most conditions, we use 5% albumin as the replacement fluid. For TTP and conditions requiring coagulation factors, we use fresh frozen plasma (FFP). We coordinate with your blood bank for all replacement products.
How many exchanges does a typical patient need?
This varies by condition. TTP typically requires daily exchanges until platelet count normalizes (often 7-14 days). GBS usually needs 5 exchanges over 2 weeks. Myasthenia crisis typically responds to 5-6 exchanges. Our nephrologists tailor the prescription to each patient.
What vascular access is required?
Apheresis requires large-bore venous access. This is typically a temporary dialysis catheter (internal jugular or femoral). Our nephrologists can place catheters at the bedside if needed.
Do you handle citrate reactions?
Yes, citrate is our standard anticoagulant for apheresis. Our nurses are trained to monitor for and manage citrate toxicity with calcium replacement. We use prophylactic calcium infusion protocols to prevent symptomatic hypocalcemia.
Need Emergency Apheresis Services?
Call us immediately for TTP or other apheresis emergencies. Non-urgent consultations also welcome.