Word: Pheresis
Definition:
Pheresis is a medical procedure where blood is taken from a person, then separated into its different parts (like red blood cells, plasma, and platelets), and some of these parts are kept for medical use while the rest are returned to the person’s body.
Usage Instructions:
- Pheresis is used in hospitals and clinics, often when patients need certain blood components or when donors give blood for specific treatments. - It is important to note that pheresis is a technical term mainly used in medical contexts.
Example Sentence:
"The doctor recommended pheresis to collect the patient's plasma, which would help treat their condition."
Advanced Usage:
In more advanced medical discussions, pheresis may refer to specific types, such as plasma pheresis (where plasma is separated and extracted) or apheresis (a broader term that includes pheresis and similar procedures).
Word Variants:
- Apheresis: A broader term that includes pheresis. It can refer to any procedure that removes a component from blood. - Plasmapheresis: A specific type of pheresis focusing on separating and collecting plasma.
Different Meaning:
While "pheresis" mainly refers to this medical procedure, it is not commonly used in everyday language outside of healthcare settings.
Synonyms:
- Apheresis (as mentioned above) - Blood component separation
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs related to "pheresis," as it is a specialized term. However, you might hear phrases like "give blood," which is a more general way to refer to donating blood, including through pheresis.
Summary:
Pheresis is a specific medical procedure involving the collection and separation of blood components.