What Is Therapeutic Plasma Exchange?
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE), also known as plasmapheresis or apheresis, is an advanced medical procedure that removes harmful substances from blood plasma and replaces it with clean, nutrient-rich fluids –helping restore balance and reduce inflammation at a cellular level. Plasma can carry inflammatory proteins, toxins, and autoantibodies that contribute to chronic disease and accelerate aging. By replacing unhealthy plasma with albumin, a sterile protein solution rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients, TPE helps detoxify the body, promote cellular healing, and support optimal function.
Think of it as changing the water in a fishbowl–removing what’s toxic so your body’s internal environment can thrive again.
Watch the video for a brief overview of TPE ↑
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What Conditions Can Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Help Treat?
Therapeutic plasma exchange can treat a variety of diseases, including:
• Autoimmune diseases
• Long COVID
• PANS/PANDAS
• Cardiovascular & inflammatory conditions
• Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline
TPE is also emerging as a powerful tool in regenerative and longevity medicine, helping improve energy, cognition, and overall healthspan.
Clinical Research on TPE
Long COVID: Long COVID is a complex, multi-system illness that is difficult to diagnose since its underlying pathology can be difficult to determine. However, TPE has shown promise in reducing key biomarkers such as inflammation, elevated blood lipids and antibodies that may be part of post-infectious syndromes like Long COVID.
PANS/PANDAS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome/ Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal infections): Therapeutic plasma exchange is an accepted first-line therapy (either alone or coordinated with other treatments) for PANDAS by The American Society for Apheresis. TPE has shown to significantly improve side effects such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), dysgraphia, urinary urgency, anxiety, tics, and other neurological issues. In another study, PANDAS patients improved by 65% on average, with many children experiencing dramatic recovery within weeks after completing a series of treatments.
Watch Dr.Gary Kaplan and Dr. Dobri Kiprov discuss TPE and PANS/PANDAS →
Alzheimer’s Disease: Clinical studies show that TPE can slow cognitive decline in patients with Alzhiemer’s. In a study performed by Dr. Dobri Kiprov, a pioneer in TPE, the progression of disease was stopped in 67% of participants with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s.
Watch Dr.Gary Kaplan and Dr. Dobri Kiprov discuss TPE and Alzheimer’s →
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in the Northern Virginia / Washington, D.C. Area
The Kaplan Center for Integrative Medicine is proud to partner with Dr. Dobri Kiprov, a pioneering expert in therapeutic plasma exchange, to bring outpatient TPE to the northern greater Washington, D.C. area at the Kaplan Center. This makes the Kaplan Center the first and only outpatient location for TPE in the area.
Once available only in hospitals, Dr. Kiprov pioneered the use of TPE in outpatient settings through groundbreaking clinical research. As a result, more outpatient facilities are now available across the country today, but are still very limited.
Together with Dr. Gary Kaplan, a leader in integrative medicine and chronic illness care, the Kaplan Center brings this life-changing therapy closer to home for patients seeking recovery, rejuvenation, and hope.
Watch the full interview with Dr. Gary Kaplan and Dr. Dobri Kiprov →
How the TPE Process Works
Each therapeutic plasma exchange session is approximately 1-2 hours and is performed by nurses specially trained in TPE, using an FDA-approved medical filtration machine.
- ASSESSMENT: Before treatment, we perform a full patient evaluation with lab testing to ensure safety and personalized care.
- FILTRATION: Blood is drawn and passed through the TPE machine, separating harmful plasma from healthy blood components.
- REPLACEMENT: The removed plasma is replaced with albumin and nutrient-rich fluids to promote repair and detoxification.
- MONITORING: A dedicated nurse closely monitors vitals and any side effects all throughout your session.
Treatment Frequency & Pricing
Most patients begin with a series of six sessions, followed by maintenance treatments every few months or as advised by your physician. Every patient’s health profile is unique.
To determine your best treatment plan and receive pricing information, call us today at (703) 532-4892.
Package options are available.
Questions? Talk with a Nurse
If you are interested in TPE but have more questions, please give us a call! Our nurses are ready to speak to you and answer your questions.