therapeutic plasma exchange

An exciting high-level blood filtration technique  

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE), also known as Therapeutic Plasmapheresis has been a powerful tool for treatment of critically-ill patients in hospital settings, for many years.  Now the same technology is available to you in an outpatient setting, at Lifespan Health. 
 
TPE is currently being studied for a wide variety of potential benefits, including removal of inflammatory mediators, chemicals, plastics, cellular waste, immune complexes, and other unwanted plasma-based toxins.

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Fresenius-Kabi Amicus Therapeutic Plasma Exchange machine

the fresenius-kabi amicus

A hospital-grade blood separation device, now in an outpatient setting.

Male nurse performing therapeutic plasma exchange

The Process

Therapeutic Plasmapheresis is the cornerstone therapy of comprehensive protocols designed to meet your unique health needs and goals.   ​

Each protocol follows a logical, collaborative, diagnostic and treatment framework:

Assessment

Includes a comprehensive medical history review, physical examination, evaluation of blood biomarkers, measurements of toxins.  Then we make specific treatment recommendations, assuring that the plan aligns with your expectations.

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE)

One or more monthly sessions 

Nutrient Support

Utilizing a combination of oral and IV nutrients, specifically designed to augment your TPE procedures, and achieve the very best results.

The Protocols

Each of the Lifespan Health Plasma Exchange protocols are developed by and overseen by Dr. Mark Rawson.  The procedure is performed by highly-trained RNs in a comfortable clinic setting.

detoxification

Comprehensive removal of plasma and protein-bound toxins, inflammatory cytokines, immune complexes…


1) consultation

In-depth appointment with Dr. Rawson, with a focus on toxin exposures and chronic symptoms.

2) Testing

Comprehensive Toxin Testing
Metabolic Biomarkers
Complete Blood Count

3) procedure

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange
Post-procedure Nutrient Repletion Infusion
Vitamin D3 Injection

4) at-home

Continue high-dose nutrient support to optimize each TPE session. Specific formulations chosen to address your particular needs

5) Follow-up

Review of symptom improvements.
Comprehensive toxin re-testing
Guidance for a toxin-controlled home/work

chronic fatigue

Eliminate toxins and inflammatory compounds contributing to chronic fatigue


1) consultation

Comprehensive evaluation of medical history, past treatments

2) testing

Comprehensive Toxin Testing
Metabolic Biomarkers
Complete Blood Count
Genome evaluation
Patient-specific specialty tests

3) procedure

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange
Post-procedure Nutrient Repletion Infusion
Vitamin D3 Injection

4) At-home

Continue high-dose nutrient support to optimize each TPE session. Specific formulations chosen to address your particular needs

5) follow-up

Review of symptom improvements.
Comprehensive toxin re-testing
Guidance for a toxin-controlled home/work

health optimization

Optimize your the “terrain” of your body by removing performance-limiting toxins and inflammatory compounds


1) consultation

Comprehensive discussion of health optimization, performance and longevity goals. Recommendations for adjunct therapies to complement TPE.

2) testing

Comprehensive Toxin Testing
Metabolic Biomarkers
Complete Blood Count

3) procedure

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange
Post-procedure Nutrient Repletion Infusion
Vitamin D3 Injection

4) At-Home

High-dose nutrient support, designed to optimize all aspects and levels of cellular and systems health.

5) Follow-up

Review of symptom improvements.
Comprehensive toxin re-testing
Guidance for a toxin-controlled home/work
Additional health optimization considerations.

Man with hand on chin, thinking

Questions and Answers

The TPE procedure itself typically lasts 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Then allow for time prior to the procedure for vital signs check, consent review and IV start. After the procedure, allow time for the multinutrient IV. We reserve 4 hours for you to complete the entire process.

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) is generally well tolerated, but like any extracorporeal procedure, it has a range of potential side effects, which may include:

  • Lightheadedness, related to fluid shifts
  • Citrate reaction–the anticoagulant used is ACD-A which contains citrate. Citrate can bind to calcium causing a transient low level. This may be felt as tingling around your mouth or in your fingers.
  • Nausea, which is generally mild and transient.
  • Potential for bruising at the IV site.

Other side effects or concerns will be discussed in detail during the consultation

The cost of TPE nationally ranges greatly. Average costs are likely in the range of $7500 for a single treatment. Costs must take into account the cost of the TPE machine, the disposables, the albumin replacement solution (the largest cost) and nursing/physician time.

At Lifespan Health, the cost of the TPE program is $5600/treatment, which includes the consultation cost, basic blood biomarkers, the procedure cost, and nutrient repletion IV and injections. Specialty toxin testing is an additional cost, and is discussed during the consultation.

We offer several financing options, and are happy to discuss this with you during the consultation.

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