Plasmapheresis, also known as therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), is an advanced blood purification therapy designed to help regulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and support recovery from a range of chronic and autoimmune conditions.
While traditionally used in hospital settings, this therapy is now gaining traction in integrative and longevity medicine due to its potential to help patients feel better faster, especially when other treatments have fallen short.
In this guide, we’ll break down how plasmapheresis works, what it’s used for, and what you can expect if you’re considering it as part of your personalized care plan at Extension Health.
What Is Plasmapheresis?
Plasmapheresis is a therapeutic procedure that filters your blood to remove unwanted substances like inflammatory proteins, autoantibodies, and toxins.
It works by separating and discarding the plasma—the liquid portion of your blood—where many of these harmful compounds accumulate. The remaining red and white blood cells are then returned to your body along with a clean replacement fluid, usually albumin or donor plasma.
Because many chronic conditions involve immune system dysregulation or systemic inflammation, plasmapheresis can provide relief by rapidly clearing the underlying triggers that keep the body stuck in a cycle of overreaction or fatigue.
How Does Plasmapheresis Work?
A typical plasmapheresis session takes place in a medical clinic and lasts about 90 to 120 minutes. Here’s what the process looks like:
- Blood Withdrawal: A small catheter is inserted into a vein to draw your blood into the apheresis machine.
- Separation: The machine uses centrifugal force or membrane filtration to separate plasma from the rest of your blood components.
- Filtration: The removed plasma is discarded along with the harmful antibodies, inflammatory proteins, or toxins it contains.
- Reinfusion: The filtered blood cells are returned to your body, along with a sterile replacement solution such as albumin or donor plasma.
The goal is to “reset” your internal environment by clearing out disruptive molecules that may be fueling chronic symptoms.
What Conditions Can Plasmapheresis Help Treat?
Plasmapheresis is FDA-approved for several serious autoimmune and neuroinflammatory conditions. These include:
- Myasthenia gravis
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Lupus
- Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)
At Extension Health, we also use plasmapheresis in cases of:
- Long COVID
- Mold-related illness
- Lyme disease
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Persistent inflammatory symptoms not fully addressed by standard care
In many of these cases, the therapy is part of a broader protocol that includes diagnostic testing, supportive IVs, and advanced recovery strategies.
Potential Benefits of Plasmapheresis
Plasmapheresis works quickly to reduce the burden of inflammatory and immune-related molecules in the bloodstream. For many patients, this results in:
- Relief from fatigue, pain, or brain fog
- Stabilization of autoimmune symptoms
- A sense of greater energy, clarity, or calm
- Faster recovery from flare-ups or post-viral syndromes
- A clearer foundation for long-term healing
Some high-performance and longevity patients use plasmapheresis proactively as a tool to support resilience and optimize cellular health.
Risks and Considerations
While plasmapheresis is generally safe when performed by experienced clinicians, it is still a medical procedure and carries some risk. The most common side effects include:
- Temporary fatigue or lightheadedness
- Low blood pressure during or after treatment
- Bruising at the injection site
Rare but more serious risks include:
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Allergic reaction to replacement fluids
- Infection
At Extension Health, every patient undergoes a full consultation and lab screening prior to treatment to ensure safety and suitability.
What to Expect During and After Treatmen
Plasmapheresis is performed in our clinic under close supervision. Most sessions take between 90 minutes and two hours. You will be seated or lying comfortably during the procedure, and many patients read, listen to music, or even nap.
After treatment, it is common to feel a little tired. We recommend staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol or strenuous activity, and eating a nourishing meal post-session. Some people feel benefits right away, while others notice changes after a few days.
The number of sessions recommended varies based on your health goals and clinical presentation. Many patients begin with a protocol of three to six treatments spaced out over several weeks.
Plasmapheresis vs. Other Immune and Detox Therapies
While other detox or immune therapies like IVIG, chelation, or EBOO (extracorporeal blood oxygenation and ozonation) also aim to reduce inflammation or support systemic health, plasmapheresis works on a different level.
- IVIG introduces beneficial antibodies but does not remove existing inflammatory ones.
- Chelation therapy focuses on heavy metal removal, not immune-related proteins.
- EBOO oxygenates and ozonates the blood but does not filter plasma.
Plasmapheresis directly removes immune triggers and inflammatory mediators, making it a foundational therapy for patients with unresolved or complex conditions.
Is Plasmapheresis Right for You?
Plasmapheresis may be a powerful option if you’re facing chronic inflammation, unresolved symptoms, or autoimmune conditions that haven’t responded to conventional treatment. It’s also gaining attention among high-performance and longevity-focused individuals who want a deeper immune and detox reset.
At Extension Health, we typically recommend plasmapheresis for:
- Autoimmune conditions like lupus, myasthenia gravis, or CIDP
- Lingering symptoms from mold, Lyme, or long COVID
- Chronic fatigue, brain fog, or inflammatory markers with no clear source
- Individuals pursuing advanced longevity or detox strategies
If you’re looking for a more direct way to remove immune triggers, lower your inflammatory burden, and reset your internal environment, plasmapheresis could be a foundational step forward.
Ready to explore whether this therapy is right for you?
Book a personalized consultation with our clinical team and get a clear, data-informed plan built around your health goals.