Cryofiltration apheresis can be used to treat a patient with circulating cryoproteins.
Patient selection - presence of a circulating cryoprotein associated with:
(1) vasculitis
(2) glomerulonephritis
(3) severe hemolytic anemia
Cryofiltration apheresis involves:
(1) removal of the patient's plasma
(2) refrigeration of the plasma until the cryoprotein precipitates
(3) passing the plasma through filters to remove the cryoproteins
(4) reinfusion of the plasma, preferably through a blood warmer
Problems may occur if:
(1) the amount of cryoproteins is high enough to block the filter membranes
(2) the patient shows cryogel formation
Specialty: Clinical Laboratory, Hematology Oncology, Immunology/Rheumatology