Leukapheresis
What happens during the procedure?
You are sitting comfortably in a chair or lying down.
You are sitting comfortably in a chair or lying down.
Two needles are used:
- One in your arm where blood is taken.
- The other one in your other arm where blood is put back.
Your blood goes through a machine that removes the white blood cells. The rest of the blood goes straight back into your body. The procedure takes 2-4 hours.
Afterwards, you can usually go home straightaway.
Afterwards, you can usually go home straightaway.
How should you prepare?
- Eat well beforehand.
Have a light breakfast or lunch, unless you are told otherwise.
- Drink plenty of water in the hours before the procedure.
That will make your veins more visible. You are usually advised to drink at least 2.5 litres of water the day before the procedure.
- Wear comfortable clothes,
especially loose-fitting sleeves.
- Make sure you have something to do,
bring a book, music or your mobile (you’ll only be able to use one arm most of the time).
- Tell the doctor if you are taking anticoagulants
or get dizzy easily.
Why is Leukapheresis important?
The white blood cells that are collected can help researchers see where HIV hides in the body. That is another step towards a possible cure.
The white blood cells that are collected can help researchers see where HIV hides in the body. That is another step towards a possible cure.