How is leukapheresis performed?

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Leukapheresis involves placing an intravenous line in each arm. Blood is collected through one line and passed through an apheresis machine to separate out white blood cells. The remaining blood components are returned to the patient via the second line. Sometimes a central catheter is used, placed beneath the clavicle or near the neck. The process of leukapheresis takes at least two to three hours.