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Apheresis Program

UCSF's pediatric Apheresis Program provides care for children who have sickle cell anemia, thalassemia and other blood disorders, as well as those who need or have recently had a stem cell transplant. Apheresis is the broad term for various methods of separating blood into its different components in order to remove the one part that has a problem and return the healthy portions to the body.

The apheresis process can look and feel scary, which is why we've worked hard to make our facility a safe and calming environment for kids. Our team of hematology and oncology specialists and apheresis operators specialize in working with children. They know how to reassure children and help them stay calm through the needle sticks, placement of IVs and two-to-three-hour procedures.

Our program offers a variety of apheresis procedures, many of which our doctors helped pioneer. We provide different types of red blood cell transfusions for patients with iron overload, sickle cell disease, thalassemia or other conditions that require frequent whole-blood transfusions.

Our renowned specialists offer extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) for children who have developed graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after receiving a bone marrow transplant. We do stem cell collections for cancer patients anticipating bone marrow transplant, and plasma pheresis for patients with autoimmune disease to remove antibodies that may be causing the disorder.

Our locations (1)

    Awards & recognition

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

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    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

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    Before you head to the hospital, check out our guidelines for visitors and caregivers.

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    Your Stay

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    Your Child's Care Team

    Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

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    Related clinics (5)

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    Blood & Marrow Transplant (BMT) Clinic

    Blood & Marrow Transplant (BMT) Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland

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    Thalassemia Center

    Thalassemia Center

    747 52nd St.
    Oakland, CA 94609

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    Hematology Clinic

    Hematology Clinic

    San Francisco / Fresno / Greenbrae / Oakland / Santa Rosa / Walnut Creek

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    Oncology Clinic

    Oncology Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland / Walnut Creek

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    Infusion Center

    Infusion Center

    San Francisco / Oakland / Walnut Creek

    Support services

    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

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    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

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    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

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    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

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    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

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    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

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    School Re-Entry Program

    We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

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    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

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    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

    Soothing the soul

    Our music therapy program nurtures patients with bedside serenades, rap workshops and more.

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    Smell the roses

    Wander outside into our Butterfly Garden in Oakland and our healing gardens at Mission Bay.

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