Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE)
Supporting complex medical care with specialist apheresis services
Monash House Private Hospital provides Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) through our dedicated outpatient Infusion unit, operated by experienced staff and supported by advanced equipment.
What is Therapeutic Plasma Exchange?
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) is a type of apheresis, a process used to separate specific components of the blood for targeted medical purposes.
Plasma is the fluid that carries blood components through the body. In some medical conditions, plasma contains substances that contribute to disease activity. TPE helps treat those illnesses by filtering plasma from the patient’s blood and replacing it with a substitute fluid such as saline or albumin. Albumin is sourced from healthy donor plasma.
How is TPE performed?
TPE is conducted in our outpatient department by trained nursing and medical staff using the advanced Spectra Optia Apheresis System.
During the procedure:
● The patient lies comfortably in a hospital bed while intravenous access is established in each arm.
● Blood is drawn from one arm and circulated through the apheresis machine, which separates plasma from other blood components.
● The extracted plasma is removed, and the remaining blood components are returned to the body through the opposite arm, along with a replacement fluid.
A blood warmer is used to help maintain patient comfort and temperature throughout the procedure.
Each session takes approximately 2 hours, with every treatment individually planned and closely monitored.
When TPE may be considered
Doctors may recommend TPE for patients who have certain complex:
● Autoimmune conditions
● Neurological presentations, including cognitive decline
● Haematological disorders
● Long COVID
● Healthy Longevity
A patient’s suitability for treatment depends on factors such as their underlying condition, clinical history, and overall treatment goals.
TPE at Monash House
At Monash House Private Hospital, we take a collaborative, patient-centred approach to all care. Our TPE service is delivered by a team of doctors and nurses with specialist training in apheresis, working in partnership with referring clinicians to support continuity of care.
● Specialised TPE nursing team
● A modern, well-equipped outpatient infusion unit
● Use of the Spectra Optia Apheresis System
● Private, comfortable treatment environments
● Stringent safety protocols and quality oversight.
Each patient’s experience is managed with care, professionalism, and respect for individual needs.
Referral and next steps
Patients
Please discuss referral for TPE with your treating specialist or GP.
Referrers
Please contact us to discuss your patient’s needs.
Disclaimer
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) is a prescription-only medical procedure. This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Decisions regarding suitability for TPE must be made following consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
References
● National Cancer Institute, Apheresis, https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/apheresis, [Accessed 21 May 2025]
● Australian Red Cross, What is plasma and why should you donate it? https://www.lifeblood.com.au/news-and-stories/vital-reads/what-plasma-and-why-should-you-donate-it, [Accessed 21 May 2025]