Pronunciation: [lˈuːkəfəɹˈiːsɪs] (IPA) 
Leukopheresis is spelled as /luːkəʊfəɹiːsɪs/, with the first syllable pronounced as "loo", a long "o" sound, and the second syllable as "ko", with a short "o" sound. The word refers to a medical procedure that involves removing white blood cells from the body. It is important to use correct spelling and pronunciation when discussing medical terms, as any inaccuracies can lead to confusion and potentially harmful mistakes.
Leukopheresis is a medical procedure used to selectively remove or decrease the concentration of white blood cells (leukocytes) from a patient's blood. Leukocytes play an essential role in the immune system and help defend the body against infections. However, in certain medical conditions, such as leukemias, lymphomas, and other autoimmune disorders, an abnormally high number of leukocytes can be detrimental to the patient's health.
During a leukopheresis procedure, blood is drawn from the patient through a vein and passed through a machine called a leukapheresis system. This system separates the blood into different components, selectively isolating and removing the excess white blood cells from the patient's blood. The remaining blood components, such as red blood cells and platelets, are then returned to the patient through another vein. The isolated white blood cells may be discarded or used for further diagnostic purposes or therapeutic treatments.
Leukopheresis is typically performed in a clinical setting, under the supervision of trained medical personnel. This procedure aims to reduce the overall white blood cell count to alleviate symptoms and manage the underlying condition. It can provide temporary relief in acute situations or be used as a long-term treatment strategy for chronic disorders.
Overall, leukopheresis acts as a targeted therapy to modulate the immune response by reducing the number of white blood cells in the bloodstream, contributing to the management of specific medical conditions.
The word "leukopheresis" is derived from two Greek roots: "leuko" meaning white and "pheresis" meaning removal or separation. In medical terminology, "leukopheresis" refers to a procedure where white blood cells are selectively removed or separated from the patient's blood.
