Learn about Plasma Exchange Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Plasma Exchange and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Plasma Exchange

Plasma Exchange, also known as Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) or Plasmapheresis, is a specialized medical procedure performed by Transfusion Medicine specialists. It involves the removal, treatment, and return of a patient's blood plasma. During the procedure, blood is drawn from the body, separated into its cellular components and plasma by a cell separator machine. The harmful plasma, which may contain disease-causing antibodies, toxins, or abnormal proteins, is discarded and replaced with a substitute like donor plasma or a sterile albumin solution. This process effectively 'cleanses' the blood and is a critical, life-saving intervention for managing various autoimmune, neurological, and metabolic disorders by rapidly removing pathogenic substances from the bloodstream.

Key Highlights

    Rapidly removes harmful antibodies, toxins, or abnormal proteins from the bloodstream.Can be a life-saving intervention during acute disease flares or crises.Used as a primary treatment or to 'bridge' the time until other medications become effective.Performed by specialized Transfusion Medicine teams ensuring safety and precision.Procedure is typically well-tolerated and can be repeated as needed based on the condition.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Neurological disorders like Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Myasthenia Gravis, and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP).
  • Autoimmune conditions such as Goodpasture's syndrome, ANCA-associated vasculitis, and severe Lupus.
  • Hematological diseases including Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) and Hyperviscosity syndrome.
  • Certain kidney diseases like rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis.
  • Poisoning or overdose with protein-bound toxins (e.g., from certain mushrooms).
  • As a preparatory procedure before some organ or stem cell transplants.

How to prepare

  • A thorough medical evaluation, including blood tests to assess clotting function and electrolyte levels.
  • Discussion of medical history, allergies (especially to plasma products), and current medications.
  • Establishment of secure intravenous (IV) access, often with a large-bore catheter in a major vein.
  • Patients are advised to be well-hydrated before the procedure.
  • Fasting is generally not required, but a light meal is recommended.
  • Informed consent detailing the procedure, benefits, and potential risks is obtained.

Risks & possible complications

  • Hypotension (low blood pressure) or dizziness during the procedure.
  • Citrate reaction from the anticoagulant, causing tingling or muscle cramps.
  • Allergic reactions to the replacement fluid (plasma or albumin).
  • Bleeding or bruising at the IV site, or infection.
  • Risk of electrolyte imbalances like low calcium or potassium.
  • Very rare risks include blood clot formation or air embolism.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Immediate monitoring of vital signs for an hour or two post-procedure.
  • Patients can usually resume normal activities and diet shortly after, unless otherwise advised.
  • It is important to drink plenty of fluids to help maintain blood volume.
  • The IV site should be kept clean and dry; report any signs of redness, swelling, or pain.
  • Follow-up blood tests are common to monitor the disease and the effects of the exchange.
  • Multiple sessions over days or weeks are often required for optimal therapeutic effect.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: Typically outpatient or 1 day
  • checked Expected recovery time: Immediate to a few days (per session)

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering plasma exchange in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for plasma exchange compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 25 Thousand – 75 Thousand Typically outpatient or 1 day ~ Immediate to a few days (per session) Know More
Turkey TRY 87.5 Thousand – 263 Thousand Typically outpatient or 1 day ~ Immediate to a few days (per session) Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

Arjun Sharma, a 42-year-old software engineer...

Arjun Sharma, a 42-year-old software engineer and father of two, had always been active. His life changed when he developed sudden, severe weakness in his legs, which rapidly spread to his arms and face. Diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, his immune system was attacking his own nerves. Within days, he was in the ICU, struggling to breathe on his own. His neurologist, Dr. Mehta, explained that plasma exchange (PLEX) was critical to 'clean' his blood of the harmful antibodies causing the paralysis. Arjun was terrified, feeling trapped in his own failing body. The procedure itself was surreal, watching his blood travel through the apheresis machine, feeling cold from the replacement fluids. He underwent five sessions over ten days. Gradually, the tingling stopped, and he could wiggle his toes. The emotional shift was profound, from the despair of possibly never walking his daughters to school again, to the overwhelming gratitude as he took his first assisted steps. While recovery took months of physiotherapy, PLEX gave him back the chance to fight.

Transfusion Medicine Specialists for Plasma Exchange

Explore experienced transfusion medicine specialists who regularly perform plasma exchange and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. ARCHANA A DHARWADKAR
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Transfusion Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. PATHAN FIROZ
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Transfusion Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Arpitha P
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Transfusion Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Amiya Kumar Mishra
  • 35 Years Experience
  • Transfusion Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata

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Dr. Anirban Roy
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Transfusion Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ranchi, Ranchi

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Dr. Rakesh Kumar Thakur
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Transfusion Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ranchi, Ranchi

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Dr. DEEPAK SINGHAL
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Transfusion Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Siliguri, Siliguri

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Tika Nath Sharma
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Transfusion Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Siliguri, Siliguri

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