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New Hope For High Cholesterol
LDL-Apheresis is a remarkably effective treatment for patients whose LDL (or "bad" cholesterol) is above 200 even after
being treated by diet and maximum drug doses for at least 6 months.
The procedure is relatively simple. Blood is drawn through a needle in one arm and passed through a hollow fiber membrane
where the plasma is separated from the red cells. The plasma is then passed through a special column, known as a Liposober
LA-15, where the LDL is collected. The plasma is then reunited with the red cells and returned to the patient through a
needle in the other arm. A small amount of heparin is given during the procedure to prevent clotting of the blood.
A single LDL-Apheresis procedure can lower the LDL-cholesterol level between 70 and 80 percent, but procedures must be
performed regularly to maintain a lower LDL-cholesterol level.
Florida Blood Services provides a broad spectrum of modern apheresis cell separators, as well as a specialty-trained
professional nursing staff, to help patients who have a myriad of diseases.
Click here for a list of Therapeutic Apheresis services.
Procedures perfomed at the bedside
Portable equipment allows FBS nurses to perform therapeutic apheresis procedures at the patient's bedside. The entire
procedure requires 2–5 hours depending on patient vascular access, hematocrit level and volume requested.
Venous access can be achieved either via a large antecubital vein, allowing the use of 16 gauge needles which are used
to prevent mechanical hemolysis, or central lumen cannulation, involving placement of a double lumen dialysis-type
catheter (e.g., Shiley, Ouinton or Vascath) into the subclavian, external jugular or femoral vein.
Consultations
FBS medical staff will provide consultation services as part of our procedures. Our medical staff will formulate a
therapeutic plan including:
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Volumes to be exchanged or treated
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Replacement solutions
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Frequency and number of procedures
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Lab tests to monitor response
It's simple. All you have to do is order "Consult Florida Blood Services For Apheresis Treatment." We will work with you
and your staff to implement a treatment plan for your patients.
Patient information
In order to provide optimum care, we must have the following information:
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Hemoglobin and Hematocrit
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Weight and Height
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Diagnosis of condition being treated
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Other medical conditions
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Medications
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