Plasmapheresis is a procedure in which blood is separated into cells and plasma (liquid). The plasma is removed and replaced with fresh frozen plasma, a blood product called albumin and/or a plasma substitute. The procedure is often referred to as plasma exchange.

The antibodies that cause weakness in myasthenia gravis are removed during plasmapheresis. A typical patient who has received three to five exchanges over a week or two would commonly remain stronger for one to two months.

For more information on Plasmapheresis please see the MGFA brochure on Plasmapheresis.

The picture below shows Avi Peltz, a director for MGnet, receiving this treatment.