This prospective, non-interventional, within-subject paired biomarker study will evaluate whether circulating microplastic and nanoplastic-associated particle concentrations in peripheral blood change after clinically prescribed double-filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP). Twenty adult volunteers already undergoing DFPP independent of research participation will provide paired pre- and post-treatment blood samples. The primary endpoint is within-participant change in microplastic and nanoplastic-associated particle concentration measured by nano-flow cytometry with Nile Red staining. An exploratory subset of five participants will undergo Py-GC-MS analysis of paired blood samples and DFPP eluate to evaluate polymer-specific mass changes and the presence of plastic polymers in eluate. DFPP treatment decisions and procedural parameters are determined solely by the treating physician as part of routine care.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 80 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age 18 to 80 years
* Body weight greater than 40 kg (approximately 88 lb)
* Already independently prescribed DFPP treatment by a qualified treating clinic
* Able to understand the study and provide voluntary informed consent
* Willing and able to provide blood samples before and after DFPP treatment
* Cleared for DFPP by the prescribing clinic
* Has not had plasmapheresis treatment within the past 7 days
Exclusion Criteria:
* Not yet prescribed DFPP by a treating clinic
* Major heart or circulatory problems, such as recent myocardial infarction or hypertensive crisis
* Serious kidney or liver impairment
* Blood-clotting disorders or significantly impaired coagulation
* Active infection, inflammation, or fever
* Severe frailty or very poor medical condition
* Anemia with hemoglobin below 8 g/dL
* Body weight under 40 kg
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
* Determined by the treating clinic to be medically or mentally inappropriate for DFPP
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in Circulating Microplastic and Nanoplastic Particle Concentration
Timeframe: Baseline immediately before DFPP and post-treatment within 10 minutes after the DFPP session, within a single treatment day