What are some possible complications of apheresis?
Serious complications of donor apheresis are rare. Minor complications of donor apheresis can include bleeding at the donation site and feelings of lightheadedness that usually resolve quickly. More serious complications can occur when apheresis is used to treat serious conditions and include: • bleeding and a tendency to bleed (because clotting factors are removed), • infection and a tendency toward infection (because the immune system is somewhat suppressed when antibodies are removed), • low blood pressure (as fluids are removed), • muscle cramping (as low blood calcium can occur and other electrolytes can be imbalanced).
