![Image of Robert W. Steiner, MD](https://a.mktgcdn.com/p/E3J8IgGue1h6bUtvKLMHNxlmSMyySrMb6keQb6YSlfc/1280x1280.jpg)
Robert W. Steiner, MD
- Nephrologist
- Co-Director of Transplant Nephrology
- Medical Director, Kidney & Pancreas Transplantation
- Professor of Medicine
If you need apheresis, look to UC San Diego Health for the highest level of care. We have one of the largest therapeutic apheresis programs in the United States.
Amber Sanchez, MD, leads our team of physicians who work closely with advanced care practitioners, nurses, technicians, social workers and support staff to manage every aspect of your treatment experience.
Apheresis is a medical procedure that involves passing a person's blood through a device that separates a component of the blood from its other parts and returns the remainder into circulation.
UC San Diego Health offers several advantages.
The only photopheresis and LDL apheresis in San Diego County
The largest hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) collection facility in the county
A physician on-site during apheresis treatment
The latest state-of-the-art technology
Plasmapheresis
Also known as therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), plasmapheresis is a nonsurgical therapy that removes and replaces a patient's blood plasma.
Photopheresis
Also known as extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP), photopheresis is a nonsurgical therapy that removes, treats and returns a patient's white blood cells.
LDL Apheresis
LDL apheresis is a nonsurgical therapy that removes low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from a patient's blood. During LDL apheresis, the plasma portion of the blood, which contains cholesterol, is separated and run through a machine that removes the LDL.
Red Cell Exchange Apheresis
Red blood cell exchange apheresis — also known as therapeutic erythrocytapheresis — is a nonsurgical therapy that removes and replaces a patient's red blood cells.
White Cell Reduction Apheresis
White blood cell reduction apheresis, a form of therapeutic leukapheresis, is a nonsurgical therapy that reduces the number of white blood cells in a patient's circulating blood supply.
Platelet Reduction Apheresis
Platelet reduction apheresis — also known as therapeutic thrombocytapheresis or plateletpheresis — is a nonsurgical therapy that reduces the number of platelets in a patient's blood.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Harvest Apheresis
Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) harvest apheresis is a special form of leukapheresis used to collect cells from the peripheral blood that can be used in bone marrow transplants.
If you are a new patient or don't have a MyUCSDChart account, call 858-249-3030.
If you've been referred for an apheresis consultation, we'll contact you with an appointment time and instructions on how to get to the clinic. Please bring your picture ID and all insurance cards.
If you're an existing patient, log into your MyUCSDChart account to request an appointment and prescription renewals, review your health history and send a secure message to the apheresis team.
Feel free to make a list of questions or concerns to discuss with the apheresis doctor. We encourage you to bring someone with you for support, as a lot of medical information will be discussed.
Clinical trials are highly regulated health-related research studies that move advances in the treatment of diseases and conditions forward into clinical practice. They offer people the chance to receive newly developed therapies and provide crucial information to medical scientists.
We are conducting clinical trials on a broad spectrum of topics related to therapeutic apheresis.