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Updated: Mar 30, 2026

Isolation and Analysis of Traceable and Functionalized Extracellular Vesicles from the Plasma and Solid Tissues
Published on: October 17, 2022
Membrane versus centrifuge-based therapeutic plasma exchange: a randomized prospective crossover study
Carsten Hafer1, Paulina Golla1, Marion Gericke2
1Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Medical School Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
Centrifugal therapeutic apheresis (cTPE) offers higher plasma removal efficiency and shorter treatment times compared to membrane therapeutic apheresis (mTPE). Both methods achieve comparable reductions in IgG and IgM, but cTPE results in less platelet loss.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Hematology
- Apheresis Technology
Background:
- Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) utilizes either membrane (mTPE) or centrifugal (cTPE) systems.
- Previous studies have not prospectively compared the performance of mTPE and cTPE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and safety of two commercially available therapeutic apheresis systems: mTPE (Octonova) and cTPE (Spectra Optia).
Main Methods:
- A randomized, prospective, paired, crossover study involving 21 patients.
- Primary endpoint: plasma removal efficiency (1.2x total plasma volume).
- Secondary endpoints: removal of plasma substances (IgG, fibrinogen), platelet count changes, and complications.
Main Results:
- cTPE demonstrated a 10% higher plasma removal rate and 10.5% shorter treatment time than mTPE.
- Both methods showed comparable reductions in IgG and IgM levels.
- mTPE resulted in significantly greater platelet loss (15%) compared to cTPE (7%).
Conclusions:
- Centrifugal apheresis (cTPE) is more efficient and faster than membrane apheresis (mTPE) for therapeutic plasma exchange.
- cTPE reduces treatment time without compromising efficacy and minimizes platelet loss.
- cTPE is advantageous for high-volume apheresis centers.
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