What is Therapeutic Plasma Exchange? 

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) – also known as plasmapheresis – is a medical treatment that removes harmful substances from the blood.  

Your blood contains two main parts: 

• Blood cells (red cells, white cells, and platelets) 
• Plasma, the liquid portion that carries proteins, antibodies, and nutrients throughout your body 

During TPE treatment, a machine called an apheresis (pronounced A-fer-EE-sis) device separates the plasma from the blood cells. The plasma that may contain harmful antibodies, toxins, or abnormal proteins is removed and replaced with a safe replacement fluid called Albumin. Your blood cells are then returned to your body. 

This process helps reduce substances in the bloodstream that may be contributing to illness or inflammation. 

Why Patients Trust Hema-Tec for TPE 

For nearly 30 years, Hema-Tec has provided specialized blood therapies, like TPE, and dialysis services to hospitals and patients. 

As a family-owned company, our promise is simple: deliver hospital–level care, without the hospital.  

When you receive treatment supported by Hema-Tec, you benefit from: 

Experienced Clinical Teams 

Our nurses are highly trained in Therapeutic Plasma Exchange and advanced blood therapies. They come straight from the hospital to perform your treatment.  

Patient-Focused Care 

We believe patients deserve clear communication, comfort, and individualized attention throughout their treatment. 

A Trusted Clinical Partner 

Hospitals already rely on Hema-Tec to perform high-quality therapies for complex medical conditions. 

Why Do Doctors Recommend Plasma Exchange? 

Doctors may recommend Therapeutic Plasma Exchange therapy when harmful antibodies, proteins, or toxins are circulating in the blood. 

By removing these substances, TPE can help reduce symptoms and support recovery. 

TPE is commonly used to treat conditions such as: 

• Autoimmune disorders 
• Certain neurological conditions 
• Blood disorders 
• Kidney-related diseases 
• Other rare or complex medical conditions 

Your physician will determine whether plasmapheresis treatment is appropriate based on your specific diagnosis and medical history. 

What Happens During a Plasma Exchange Treatment? 

Many patients feel nervous before their first treatment, but understanding the process can help you feel more comfortable. 

How a TPE treatment is performed:  

1. A needle is placed in both of your arms and connected to the machine. If the veins in your arms cannot be used, the placement of a central venous catheter (CVC) may be needed. 

2. An anticoagulant is added to prevent your blood from clotting while it is in the disposable kit. 

3. Blood is drawn from one arm, where it goes through a disposable kit into a centrifuge of an apheresis device. 

4. The device separates and removes the plasma from the blood cells. 

5. After the plasma is removed, the remaining blood components are then combined with a replacement fluid (albumin) and returned to your body through the second needle in your other arm. 

6. When the procedure is complete, the needles are removed safely from your arms and bandages are applied. 

Most treatments take 2 to 4 hours, depending on your physician’s plan. 

During the entire procedure, a trained nurse monitors you closely to ensure your comfort and safety. 

Many patients spend the time resting, reading, watching television, or chatting with our nurses. 

Benefits of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange 

For many patients, TPE therapy may help: 

• Reduce brain fog, improve memory, clarity & focus. 
• Support immune regulation. 
• Target proteins linked to cellular ageing.  
• Remove suborn toxins like microplastics and PFAS.  
• Lower inflammation throughout the body.  

Treatment plans vary, but some patients receive multiple sessions over several months depending on their condition. 

Learn More About TPE Treatment 

If you or a loved one wants to receive therapeutic plasma exchange out of the hospital, our goal is to make the experience safe, comfortable, and supportive as possible. 

Hema-Tec’s clinical teams work closely with physicians to ensure patients receive the highest level of care during every treatment. 

Ready to schedule? Call us today at (586) 231‑1423, or submit your information quickly and securely on our TPE page: http://hema-tecinc.com/out-of-hospital-tpe