Blood Oil Change: What It Is, How It Works, and What to Expect

Few wellness trends have spread as quickly as the one known informally as a blood oil change. The term is intuitive - and that may be why it resonates: just as a car engine benefits from periodically replacing old, contaminated oil with fresh fluid, the idea behind the procedure is that replacing old plasma may help the body function more efficiently, age more slowly, and perform at a higher level.

The formal name for the procedure is Therapeutic Plasma Exchange, or TPE. It has been used in clinical medicine for decades to treat autoimmune conditions, blood disorders, and neurological disease. More recently, it has entered the longevity and wellness space - drawing attention from athletes, executives, and researchers exploring what it may mean for biological aging.

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This guide explains exactly what this procedure is, how it works step by step, how related therapies like EBOO and EBO2 compare, what the current clinical evidence shows, what to expect in terms of blood oil change cost, and how to find a qualified provider.

What Is a Blood Oil Change?

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) is the clinical term for this procedure - a medical process in which a portion of a patient's blood plasma is removed, filtered, and replaced with a fresh solution, typically 5% albumin.

Plasma is the liquid component of blood - the fluid in which red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are suspended. Over time, plasma accumulates proteins and other molecules associated with inflammation, aging, and metabolic dysfunction. TPE removes this aged plasma and replaces it with fresh albumin, theoretically removing these accumulated factors and restoring a more youthful biochemical environment.

The procedure is sometimes called an "oil change for the blood" - a term popularized in longevity medicine circles and by public figures such as former NFL quarterback Troy Aikman, who described his experience with the procedure in these terms. While the analogy is simplified, it captures the underlying concept: removing old, potentially harmful fluid and replacing it with clean solution.

It is important to note that TPE for longevity and wellness purposes is an emerging use of an established medical procedure, and the evidence base - while growing - remains in earlier stages than its use in traditional clinical medicine.

How the Procedure Works - Step by Step

A standard TPE session typically follows this sequence:

Pre-procedure consultation and lab work: A physician reviews health history, biomarker data, and confirms eligibility. Baseline labs are assessed.

IV access placement: Two intravenous access points are established - one to draw blood out and one to return treated blood.

Apheresis machine processing: Blood is drawn through a specialized apheresis machine that separates plasma from blood cells (red cells, white cells, platelets) using centrifugation or membrane filtration.

Plasma removal and replacement: The separated plasma is discarded or collected. Fresh 5% albumin solution (and in some protocols, intravenous immunoglobulin) replaces the removed plasma volume.

Blood return: The remaining blood cells, combined with the fresh albumin solution, are returned to the patient's circulation.

Post-procedure monitoring: Vital signs and recovery are monitored; sessions typically last 2–3 hours in a clinical setting.

The procedure requires trained medical staff, a clinical-grade apheresis machine, and appropriate medical oversight throughout.

EBOO Therapy and EBO2 - Advanced Blood Purification Options

Beyond standard TPE, two closely related procedures have emerged as advanced blood purification options in longevity clinics: EBOO therapy and EBO2 therapy. Both involve extracorporeal (outside-the-body) blood treatment but use ozone rather than albumin replacement as the primary therapeutic agent.

What Is EBOO Therapy?

EBOO stands for Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation. In this procedure, blood is drawn from a vein, passed through a dialysis-style filtration membrane, simultaneously infused with a controlled oxygen-ozone gas mixture, and then returned through a separate vein. Unlike simple IV ozone injections, EBOO processes blood extracorporeally - outside the body - allowing for significantly higher ozone delivery.

A standard EBOO session filters approximately 1–3 liters of blood at 2.5–7 gamma of ozone concentration. The procedure takes roughly 1–1.5 hours and has been performed clinically for more than two decades.

What does the research show?

Clinical evidence for EBOO - while limited in scale compared to conventional therapies - includes several notable findings:

A preliminary human trial published by Bocci et al. (2000) reported more than 1,200 EBOO treatments in 82 patients with no reported serious adverse events, establishing an early safety profile (Bocci et al., 2000, International Journal of Artificial Organs).

A controlled clinical trial by Bocci et al. (2005) involving 28 patients with peripheral artery disease found that EBOO demonstrated significantly greater regression of skin lesions compared to intravenous prostacyclin, along with improvements in pain, pruritus, and overall well-being (Bocci et al., 2005, International Journal of Artificial Organs).

Evidence suggests ozone may generate a controlled oxidative stress response that modulates immune and endothelial function - though the full mechanistic picture remains under investigation (Carocci et al., 2005, Blood Purification).

Proposed applications include peripheral artery disease, severe dyslipidemia, coronary disease, and chronic inflammatory conditions - though robust large-scale RCTs are not yet published.

What Is EBO2 Therapy?

EBO2 (also called Enhanced Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation) represents an advanced evolution of the EBOO procedure. It is distinguished by:

• Higher volume: Processes 4–6 liters of blood per session (vs. 1–3 liters for standard EBOO)
• Higher ozone concentration: 15–26 gamma per session (vs. 2.5–7 for EBOO)
• Photobiomodulation addition: EBO2 incorporates an additional light therapy step using the Hemealumen device, which exposes blood to specific wavelengths of light during processing
• Greater ozone delivery: According to Smith et al. (2022), dialysis-based ozone therapy delivers three or more times the ozone of standard IV blood ozone methods (Smith et al., 2022, Frontiers in Medicine)

EBO2 is available at select advanced longevity clinics, including Humanaut Health, and represents one of the more comprehensive blood purification approaches currently offered in a clinical wellness setting.

Evidence status: As with EBOO, the clinical evidence base for EBO2 is developing. Mechanistic data and early clinical reports suggest therapeutic potential, but large-scale, placebo-controlled RCTs have not yet been published. All claims about EBO2 benefits should be interpreted with appropriate caution, and individuals should consult a physician before considering the procedure.

Clinical Evidence - What the Research Shows

The scientific literature on TPE for longevity is growing, though still limited in scope.

Fuentealba et al. (2025) - Aging Cell: A single-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial assessed the effects of TPE on biological age across 44 adults over 50. Using 36 epigenetic clocks to measure biological aging, the study found that TPE alone was associated with an average biological age reduction of 1.32 years; TPE combined with intravenous immunoglobulin was associated with an average reduction of 2.61 years. Notably, individuals with poorer baseline metabolic health showed the greatest reductions (Fuentealba et al., 2025, Aging Cell). This represents the most rigorous clinical evidence to date for TPE's effects on biological aging.

Kiprov et al. (2025) - GeroScience: A human clinical trial of plasmapheresis for aging biomarkers confirmed long-term safety of the procedure, reporting a single mild adverse event in 240 procedures (0.42% adverse event rate) - supporting TPE's favorable safety profile in a wellness context (Kiprov et al., 2025, GeroScience).

Kiprov et al. (2022) - GeroScience: An earlier clinical study found that plasma dilution (replacing old plasma with albumin) was associated with reductions in biological age markers in humans, extending findings from animal models into a clinical setting (Kiprov et al., 2022, GeroScience).

For EBOO, Bocci et al.'s controlled trial (2005) remains one of the strongest clinical data points - demonstrating statistically significant benefits compared to standard pharmacological treatment in peripheral artery disease patients (Bocci et al., 2005, International Journal of Artificial Organs).

All findings are promising but should be interpreted within the context of study size and scope. Larger, longer-term trials are needed to fully characterize the effects of TPE, EBOO, and EBO2 on longevity outcomes.

Who Is This Procedure For?

Based on the current evidence, individuals who may be appropriate candidates for discussion with a physician include:

• Adults 40–70+ pursuing proactive longevity optimization
• Those with cardiovascular risk factors, elevated inflammatory markers, or chronic dyslipidemia (particularly relevant to EBOO evidence)
• Health-oriented individuals seeking data-driven anti-aging protocols
• Patients with ASFA-recognized autoimmune or neurological conditions for whom TPE has established clinical evidence

TPE and related therapies are not a replacement for standard medical care and are not appropriate for everyone. An individual assessment by a qualified physician - including review of relevant labs and medical history - is essential before considering any of these procedures.

Finding a Qualified Provider Near You

For those searching for a blood oil change near me, quality and safety should be the primary criteria. Look for:

• Board-certified physician oversight throughout the procedure
• Clinical-grade apheresis equipment (not spa-grade or unverified devices)
• Medical lab support for pre- and post-procedure monitoring
• Transparent protocols with documented evidence basis
• Individualized consultation before any procedure begins

Humanaut Health offers therapeutic plasma exchange and advanced blood purification therapies at its clinics in Florida and Texas, with physician-led oversight and personalized longevity protocols. For those unable to access in-person care, virtual consultations through Humanaut Health's Bond membership are available regardless of location.

Key Takeaways

• A blood oil change is the colloquial term for Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) - a procedure in which old plasma is replaced with fresh albumin to remove age-associated factors from the blood
• The most rigorous clinical trial to date (Fuentealba et al., 2025) associated TPE with an average 1.32–2.61 year reduction in biological age in adults over 50
• EBOO therapy is an extracorporeal blood oxygenation and ozonation procedure that treats blood with ozone outside the body; a controlled trial showed benefits in peripheral artery disease; evidence is promising but limited
• EBO2 therapy is an advanced evolution of EBOO - processing more blood at higher ozone concentrations, with an added light therapy component; evidence is still developing
• Blood oil change cost at private clinics ranges from $5,000–$15,000 per TPE session; EBOO and EBO2 range from $1,500–$4,000 per session; no insurance coverage for wellness use
• When searching for a blood oil change near me, prioritize board-certified physician oversight, clinical-grade equipment, and individualized assessment
• All procedures should be discussed with a qualified physician before proceeding

To learn more about therapeutic plasma exchange and advanced blood purification options at Humanaut Health, explore our services and speak with our physician team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a blood oil change?

A medical procedure in which old plasma is removed from the blood and replaced with fresh albumin solution. The term reflects the analogy of replacing old, potentially contaminated fluid with clean fluid to support better function. The clinical name is Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE).

How long does the procedure take?

A standard TPE session takes approximately 2–3 hours in a clinical setting, including preparation and post-procedure monitoring. EBOO sessions typically take 1–1.5 hours, and EBO2 sessions approximately 1.5–2 hours.

How much does a blood oil change cost?

A single TPE session typically costs $5,000–$15,000 at private longevity clinics in the United States. EBOO and EBO2 sessions typically range from $1,500 to $4,000 per session. These procedures are not covered by health insurance for wellness or longevity purposes.

What is the difference between EBOO and EBO2?

EBOO processes 1–3 liters of blood with 2.5–7 gamma of ozone. EBO2 is an advanced version that processes 4–6 liters at 15–26 gamma, and adds a photobiomodulation (light therapy) step. EBO2 delivers significantly more ozone per session and is considered more comprehensive, though both procedures have limited large-scale clinical trial evidence.

How many sessions are recommended?

Protocols vary by clinic and individual. Some longevity programs recommend sessions every 2–3 months; others use more intensive initial protocols followed by maintenance sessions. No standardized, evidence-based protocol has been established for wellness use.

Is TPE and EBOO therapy safe?

In clinical settings with appropriate physician oversight, TPE has a favorable safety profile. A human clinical trial reported a 0.42% adverse event rate in 240 procedures - a single mild reaction (Kiprov et al., 2025). EBOO has been performed for more than two decades with no published reports of serious injuries in that context. As with any medical procedure, individual risk assessment by a qualified physician is essential.

Where can I find a blood oil change near me?

Search for physician-led longevity and wellness clinics offering therapeutic plasma exchange or advanced ozone therapies. Prioritize board-certified physician oversight, clinical-grade equipment, and individualized pre-procedure consultation. Humanaut Health provides these services at clinics in Florida and Texas, with additional virtual care options available.

References

1. Fuentealba M, et al. "Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals Biomarkers That Contribute to Biological Age Rejuvenation in Response to Single-Blinded Randomized Placebo-Controlled Therapeutic Plasma Exchange." Aging Cell, 2025; 24(6):e70103. PMID: 40424097. DOI: 10.1111/acel.70103
2. Kiprov DD, et al. "Human clinical trial of plasmapheresis effects on biomarkers of aging (efficacy and safety trial)." GeroScience, 2025. PMC: 12218284.
   PMC
3. Kiprov DD, et al. "Old plasma dilution reduces human biological age: a clinical study." GeroScience, 2022. PMID: 35999337. DOI: 10.1007/s11357-022-00645-6
4. Bocci V, et al. "Extracorporeal blood oxygenation and ozonation (EBOO) in man. Preliminary report." International Journal of Artificial Organs, 2000; 23(2):131-141. PMID: 10741810.
   PubMed
5. Bocci V, et al. "Extracorporeal blood oxygenation and ozonation (EBOO): a controlled trial in patients with peripheral artery disease." International Journal of Artificial Organs, 2005; 28(10):1001-1010. PMID: 16288443.
   PubMed
6. Carocci A, et al. "Extracorporeal blood oxygenation and ozonation: clinical and biological implications of ozone therapy." Blood Purification, 2005; 24(1):42-50. PMID: 16156950. DOI: 10.1159/000088263
7. Smith NL, et al. "Ozone dialysis delivers three or more times the ozone than other forms of ozone blood treatment." Frontiers in Medicine, 2022. PMC9555023. DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.953896
8. International Scientific Committee on Ozone Therapy (ISCO3). "Extracorporeal blood oxygenation-ozonation (EBOO) - Madrid Declaration on Ozone Therapy." 2017.
   ISCO3
9. Cechinel LR, et al. "Climbing the longevity pyramid: overview of evidence-driven healthcare prevention strategies for human longevity." Frontiers in Aging, 2024; 5:1495029. PMC11628525. DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2024.1495029
10. Seals DR, et al. "Bridging expectations and science: a roadmap for the future of longevity interventions." Frontiers in Aging, 2025. PMC12213962.PMC