Expert-Led TPE Clinic • San Carlos, CA
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange with Expert Care
Therapeutic plasma exchange separates and replaces plasma that may contain inflammatory proteins, autoantibodies, and other disease-associated substances. Your care is physician-supervised, personalized to your goals, and starts with a free consultation to see whether TPE may be right for you.
What Is Therapeutic Plasma Exchange?
TPE is an established medical procedure that separates blood plasma from blood cells, discards the plasma — along with the disease-associated substances it carries — and replaces it with pharmaceutical-grade albumin. The procedure uses the same FDA-approved apheresis technology found in leading hospital programs.
Safe & FDA-Approved
An established medical procedure used in hospitals worldwide for decades with a strong safety profile.
Minimal Side Effects
Most patients experience only mild, temporary effects like brief fatigue. Serious complications are rare.
Physician-Supervised
Board-certified physician monitors every session. Individualized protocols designed for your specific needs.
How Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Works
A clear three-step procedure performed in our comfortable clinical setting.
Blood Collection
Blood is drawn through IV access and fed into the Terumo BCT Spectra Optia system — the same FDA-approved apheresis equipment used in leading hospitals worldwide.
Plasma Separation
The machine centrifuges your blood, separating plasma from blood cells. The plasma — which may contain inflammatory proteins, autoantibodies, or other targeted substances — is isolated.
Albumin Replacement
Separated plasma is discarded and replaced with sterile albumin solution. Your blood cells are returned to your body. Sessions typically take 1.5–3 hours.
What Happens to Your Plasma
During the procedure, separated plasma is discarded and replaced with sterile albumin. The appearance of removed plasma varies by individual and condition.
Separated Plasma
May contain inflammatory proteins, autoantibodies, and other disease-associated substances
Sterile Albumin Replacement
Pharmaceutical-grade albumin solution that restores plasma volume and supports normal function
Plasma Components Addressed by TPE
By exchanging plasma, TPE aims to reduce the concentration of various circulating substances that may contribute to disease processes.
Inflammatory Proteins
Cytokines, immune complexes, and inflammatory markers associated with chronic conditions.
PFAS & Persistent Pollutants
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances that accumulate in blood plasma over time. Research into TPE for PFAS reduction is ongoing.
Microplastics
Microscopic particles found in blood plasma. Emerging research is investigating their health effects and removal via apheresis.
Metabolic Byproducts
Substances from medications or environmental exposure that accumulate in plasma between natural clearance cycles.
Age-Associated Factors
Proteins and molecules studied in the context of biological aging. Research in this area is early but active.
Pathogenic Antibodies
Autoimmune antibodies that mistakenly attack your body's own tissues and organs.
Who Can Benefit From TPE?
Therapeutic plasma exchange may be discussed for a wide range of conditions. Candidacy is determined through individual physician consultation.
Published Research
AMBAR Study — Alzheimer's Disease
The AMBAR multicenter clinical trial (2019) evaluated therapeutic plasma exchange with albumin replacement in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. The study reported a statistically significant slowing of cognitive and functional decline in the moderate AD subgroup compared to placebo.
Boada et al., Alzheimer's & Dementia, 2020
The Landmark Fuentealba et al. RCT (2025)
The first randomized, placebo-controlled trial by Fuentealba et al. enrolled 42 healthy adults over age 50. Participants received biweekly TPE with or without IVIG, monthly TPE, or placebo. The results demonstrated that TPE significantly rejuvenated 15 epigenetic clocks compared to placebo (FDR < 0.05), with the biweekly TPE + IVIG regimen proving most effective.
Fuentealba et al., Aging Cell, 2025
What Sets Plasma Life Center Apart
| Feature | Plasma Life Center | Hospital Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Physician Supervision | ✓ Direct physician monitoring every session | Often nurse/tech administered |
| Wait Time | ✓ Typically within 1–2 weeks | Often 4–8 week referral process |
| Treatment Environment | ✓ Comfortable private suite | Shared infusion center |
| Personalized Protocol | ✓ Tailored to your condition & labs | Standardized protocols |
| Consultation | ✓ Free initial consultation | Specialist co-pay required |
What Patients Say About Our Clinic
"Dr. Yunce took the time to explain the procedure thoroughly, answered every question without rushing, and made me feel comfortable throughout. The clinic is calm and well-organized."
"The staff was professional and attentive. I appreciated that Dr. Yunce was honest about what to expect — no pressure, just a clear explanation of the process and my options. Very responsive scheduling."
"Comfortable private setting, modern equipment, and a physician who is clearly experienced. I felt the consultation was genuinely informative rather than a sales pitch. Would recommend for the experience alone."
Dr. Muharrem Yunce
Stanford Trained • 15+ Years Experience
Our double board-certified physician leads all treatments at Plasma Life Center, bringing over 15 years of clinical experience in blood-based therapies and pathology. Training at Stanford University and UCSF provides the foundation for our evidence-informed approach to therapeutic plasma exchange.
Every treatment session is personally supervised, with individualized protocols developed for each patient, ensuring that care decisions are grounded in the latest medical literature.
Conveniently Located on the San Francisco Peninsula
Plasma Life Center1785 San Carlos Ave, Suite 4
San Carlos, CA 94070
Easy access from San Mateo, Redwood City, Belmont, Palo Alto, and across Silicon Valley. Located near downtown San Carlos with convenient parking. See all areas we serve →
Schedule a Consultation
Your initial consultation is complimentary. Discuss your health goals, ask questions, and find out whether TPE may be appropriate for your situation.
Or call (650) 289-8038