NIAID HIV and Emerging Infectious Diseases Program

RASFA Study

Study name

Apheresis Procedures to Obtain Plasma or Lymphocytes for In Vitro Studies

Study number

81-I-0164

Goal of Study

The NIH is conducting a research study for HIV-infected volunteers with CD4 counts greater than 200. Volunteers will participate in a 45-minute apheresis procedure involving the removal of white blood cells from circulating blood. This research study is open only to participants residing in the Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia metropolitan area.

Study Regimen

During apheresis, blood is removed through a needle in the vein of one arm, spun in a machine which permits separation of the desired blood component (usually white blood cells and plasma), and then the remainder is re-infused either through the same needle or through a needle in a vein in the other arm. An anticoagulant (a medication to prevent blood from clotting) is usually added to the blood while in the machine to prevent it from clotting during this processing. Volunteers will be compensated.

Eligibility Criteria

• You are 18 years of age and older, with documented HIV-infection
• You have adequate access for blood drawing
• You have blood pressure <180/100; hemoglobin > 9.0 g/dL; HCT >28%; platelets >50,000
• You are not pregnant
• You are not currently abusing alcohol or drugs

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