Plasma collection (plasmapheresis for research)

Plasmapheresis involves drawing blood through a needle or catheter and passing it through a machine where the blood is separated into red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. The plasma, which is the liquid content of the blood, is discarded and replaced with a replacement fluid. The replacement plasma and the patient's own blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) are returned to the participant through a return needle.