Therapeutic Plasma Exchange

The smarter “cellular reset” for women’s health

By Lawrence Siegel, NP — Founder, Yunique Medical

Most of my female patients already eat clean, train smart, and track their labs. Yet some markers—CRP, ferritin, D‑dimer, inflammatory cytokines, even “forever chemicals”—refuse to budge. One reason: the medium your cells live in (your plasma) can accumulate trouble‑making molecules over time.

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) is a hospital‑grade procedure that removes a portion of your plasma and replaces it with a sterile albumin/electrolyte solution. Skip the tired “oil‑change” metaphor—think of TPE as refreshing the cellular bath your tissues soak in, so your own repair systems can work with less noise.

Quick Facts

What TPE may help clear from circulation

• Autoimmune antibodies and immune complexes that misdirect immunity.
• Inflammatory cytokines & acute‑phase reactants (e.g., IL‑6, CRP, ferritin, D‑dimer).
• Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and signaling debris linked to chronic inflammation.
• Protein‑bound heavy metals (notably mercury) — typically as an adjunct to chelation in select toxicology scenarios.
• “Forever chemicals” (PFAS) — randomized clinical trials show regular plasma/blood donation lowers PFAS over 12 months; because TPE exchanges larger plasma volumes, reductions are plausible (dedicated TPE‑PFAS trials pending).

Bottom line: TPE subtracts molecular clutter so physiology can rebalance.

Early Human Evidence for Biological‑Age Shift

A first‑of‑its‑kind single‑blind, randomized, placebo‑controlled trial in Aging Cell (2025) tested TPE regimens in adults 50+ using multi‑omics clocks. TPE plus IVIG showed the strongest shift toward a younger biological profile (average ≈ 2.6 years by composite analysis); TPE alone showed a smaller, positive signal. Promising—but we still need larger, longer trials.

Is TPE right for me? (fast checklist)

• You’ve optimized nutrition, training, sleep, and hormones—but still carry inflammation/toxicant load.
• You have autoimmune or post‑infectious symptoms under medical care.
• You’re serious about healthspan and ready for hospital‑grade therapy in a clinic setting.
• You’re medically cleared (no unstable cardiac/bleeding issues, etc.).

*Always individualized by a qualified apheresis team per ASFA guidance.*

What to ask any clinic before you book

• Who oversees TPE? Look for physicians with Transfusion Medicine / Immunohematology / Therapeutic Apheresis expertise and hospital experience.
• Who’s at the bedside? Ask if nurses hold (or are preparing for) ASFA’s Qualification in Apheresis (QIA)—the leading competency exam (not universally required, but the gold standard).
• Are protocols ASFA‑aligned? (Indications, volumes, anticoagulation, calcium management, vascular access, adverse‑event prevention, documentation.)

Buyer Beware — and How We Do It at Yunique Medical

TPE is not a spa add‑on; it’s an advanced procedure requiring precise anticoagulation and electrolyte management. Because it’s trending, some clinics offer it without true apheresis credentials—don’t compromise on expertise.

At Yunique Medical, I personally oversee programs in our markets and bring in the best: fellowship‑trained apheresis physicians; hospital‑seasoned RNs (many QIA‑credentialed); and safety‑first protocols anchored to ASFA. That’s how you get hospital‑grade safety with boutique‑clinic convenience.

What a Treatment Day Looks Like

1. Screen & labs: Focused history, indications, and ASFA‑aligned work‑up.
2. The exchange: Apheresis device separates plasma and returns your blood cells with replacement fluid.
3. Aftercare: Brief monitoring; calcium support as needed; most return to normal activity the same day.

Author

Lawrence Siegel, NP, is the founder of Yunique Medical. His clinics partner with leading apheresis experts to deliver Therapeutic Plasma Exchange with uncompromising standards in Transfusion Medicine, Immunohematology, and Therapeutic Apheresis.

Selected References

• Fuentealba M, Kiprov D, Schneider K, et al. Multi‑Omics Analysis Reveals Biomarkers That Contribute to Biological Age Rejuvenation in Response to Single‑Blinded Randomized Placebo‑Controlled Therapeutic Plasma Exchange. Aging Cell. 2025;24(8):e70103. doi:10.1111/acel.70103.
• Connelly‑Smith L, et al. Guidelines on the Use of Therapeutic Apheresis in Clinical Practice—Evidence‑Based Approach (Ninth Edition). Journal of Clinical Apheresis. 2023. doi:10.1002/jca.22043.
• Gasiorowski R, et al. Effect of Plasma and Blood Donations on Levels of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Firefighters: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Network Open. 2022;5(5):e2210972.
• Rony RMIK, et al. Therapeutic Plasma Exchange: Current and Emerging Applications to Mitigate Cellular Signaling in Disease. Biomolecules. 2025;15(7):1000.