Definition

A medical procedure where blood is taken from a donor, separated into its parts, and some parts are kept while the rest is returned to the donor.

Example

During apheresis, the doctor collected the plasma from the donor's blood.

Conversation

I recently learned about a procedure called apheresis that helps with blood donation.

Oh really? How does that work?

They actually separate the blood into different components and keep what they need.

That sounds fascinating! I didn't know there were different ways to donate.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Apheresis is formed from "apo-" (meaning away from) and "hairein" (meaning to take). The term describes a process of taking away or removing something, often used in medical contexts to refer to the removal of blood components.

Memory Tip

Think of 'taking away' ('apo-') something important, which is what apheresis does in a medical setting.

Visually Confused Words