The spelling of the word "Lymphocytopheresis" can be confusing. It is pronounced as /lɪmfəʊsaɪtɒpəriːsɪs/. This medical term refers to a process where white blood cells (lymphocytes) are removed from circulating blood. The word can be broken down into its components: "lympho-" refers to lymphocytes, "-cyto-" is a prefix meaning cells, and "-pheresis" means removal. The spelling contains common Greek and Latin roots, which are often used in medical terminology. Proper spelling of medical terms is important for clarity and accuracy in communication within the healthcare industry.
Lymphocytopheresis is a medical procedure that involves the removal and separation of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, from the blood. It is also known as lymphocyte apheresis. This process is performed to specifically target and remove excessive or abnormal lymphocytes from the bloodstream.
The procedure typically uses an apheresis machine, which is a device that separates blood components. During lymphocytopheresis, blood is withdrawn from the patient's body, usually from one arm, and passed through a machine that separates the lymphocytes from the rest of the blood. The separated lymphocytes are then collected and stored, and the remaining components of the blood, such as red blood cells and plasma, are returned to the patient through the other arm.
Lymphocytopheresis is commonly used in the treatment of certain autoimmune disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, where there is an overactive immune response. By removing excessive lymphocytes, the procedure aims to reduce the immune system's abnormal activity and alleviate symptoms associated with these conditions.
This procedure is considered a form of therapeutic apheresis, which involves the selective removal or manipulation of specific blood components for therapeutic purposes. Lymphocytopheresis is performed by trained medical professionals and is usually done in a clinical setting. The frequency and duration of the procedure vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the patient's response to the treatment.
The word "Lymphocytopheresis" is a compound word derived from three components: "lymphocyte", "cyto", and "pheresis".
1. "Lymphocyte" comes from the Greek words "lympha" meaning "clear liquid" and "kytos" meaning "cell". Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system.
2. "Cyto" is a combining form derived from the Greek word "kytos", as mentioned before, meaning "cell".
3. "Pheresis" is derived from the Greek word "phérèsis" meaning "act of carrying away". In medical terminology, it refers to the process of removing or collecting a particular component from the blood.