Therapeutic Apheresis in Nigeria: Awareness, Knowledge Gaps, and Readiness for Service Expansion Among Healthcare Professionals

Background Therapeutic apheresis (TA) is a specialized extracorporeal blood purification modality used in the management of complex hematologic, neurologic, and autoimmune diseases. Despite established global guidelines, its utilization in Nigeria remains largely undocumented. This study assessed awareness, technical knowledge, and institutional readiness for TA among Nigerian healthcare professionals. Methods We conducted an open, cross‐sectional online survey of licensed Nigerian healthcare professionals, recruited by convenience and snowball sampling through professional social media networks (WhatsApp, Instagram, X) over a 2‐month period from January 29, 2026, to April 1, 2026. Because recruitment used an open, non‐probability sampling frame, a conventional response rate could not be calculated; of 180 questionnaires received, 155 (86.1%) met pre‐specified completeness and uniqueness criteria and were analyzed. The questionnaire assessed demographics, awareness of TA services, technical knowledge (10‐item assessment based on ASFA guideline domains), and perceived barriers. Results Respondents were predominantly physicians (63.2%; consultants 22.6%, residents 40.6%), practicing mainly in teaching (47.7%) and private (32.9%) hospitals; 51.6% practiced in a single state (Imo State). Awareness of TPE centers was moderate (45.2%, 95% CI: 37.6%–53.1%), and clinical exposure was low (27.7%, 95% CI: 21.3%–35.2%). The mean knowledge score was 5.10 ± 2.44 of 10. Knowledge level was not significantly associated with professional role, years of experience, or institution type (all p > 0.05), with a borderline, nonsignificant difference by specialty ( p = 0.051); nephrology and critical care specialists showed the highest proportion of good knowledge. The leading perceived barriers were lack of equipment (79.4%), poor funding (75.5%), limited awareness (75.5%), and lack of trained personnel (74.2%). Nearly all respondents (95.5%) supported establishing a national TA registry. Conclusion Nigerian healthcare professionals report substantial gaps in TA awareness and technical knowledge alongside strong readiness to support service expansion. These findings, drawn predominantly from a single geopolitical zone, support targeted investment in structured training, equipment and reimbursement pathways, and a coordinated national apheresis registry, while highlighting the need for confirmatory studies with broader geographic and professional representation.