Cyprus Nephrology Society issues guidance on therapeutic plasmapheresis

On September 10, 2026, the Cyprus Nephrology Society issued an official statement to clarify the medical nature of therapeutic plasmapheresis. This initiative follows recent public discussions and media reports regarding the procedure in the country, aiming to provide scientific context for a method that has been used globally for decades.

The Society defines plasmapheresis as an extracorporeal procedure intended for strictly documented medical indications, including specific autoimmune, neurological, hematological, and renal diseases. The decision to proceed with the therapy must be made by the attending physician or a specialized medical team after a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's condition, diagnosis, and the ratio of potential benefits to risks.

Crucially, the organization emphasizes that the procedure involves running blood through a machine to separate and remove plasma, which may contain pathological antibodies or harmful substances, before replacing it with substitute fluids. The Society mandates that such treatments be performed exclusively in licensed healthcare facilities or specialized nephrology units by trained medical personnel using certified equipment, with constant patient monitoring throughout the process.