Therapeutic Phlebotomy
Specific Care for Your Medical Needs
What is Therapeutic Phlebotomy?
Therapeutic phlebotomy is a medical procedure in which a specific amount of blood is removed from a person’s body to treat certain medical conditions. Unlike blood donation, this process aims to improve the patient’s health by reducing the number of red blood cells, iron, or white blood cells in the blood.
Who is Therapeutic Phlebotomy For?
Therapeutic phlebotomy is essential for people suffering from specific medical conditions, such as:
- Hemochromatosis: A genetic condition that causes excessive iron accumulation in the body. Regular phlebotomy helps reduce iron levels, preventing damage to vital organs.
- Polycythemia Vera: A bone marrow disorder that produces too many red blood cells. Blood removal decreases the density of red blood cells, reducing the risk of blood clots.
- Porphyria Cutanea Tarda: A disorder affecting the skin and nervous system, where phlebotomy helps remove excess iron and prevent symptoms.
Benefits of
Therapeutic Phlebotomy
Improved Overall Health: By reducing iron levels or the density of red blood cells, circulation improves, and the risk of complications like blood clots and organ damage decreases.
Blood Extraction: The patient sits or lies down, and a needle is inserted into a vein, usually in the arm. A controlled amount of blood is drawn, similar to a blood donation.
Monitoring and Recovery: After the blood draw, the patient is briefly monitored to ensure there are no adverse reactions. Most patients can return to their normal activities the same day.
How is Therapeutic Phlebotomy Performed?
The procedure is relatively simple and safe, performed by trained healthcare professionals. Here is the typical process:
- Medical Evaluation: Before the procedure, a thorough medical evaluation is conducted to determine the amount of blood to be drawn and the necessary frequency.
- Blood Extraction: The patient sits or lies down, and a needle is inserted into a vein, usually in the arm. A controlled amount of blood is drawn, similar to a blood donation.
- Monitoring and Recovery: After the blood draw, the patient is briefly monitored to ensure there are no adverse reactions. Most patients can return to their normal activities the same day.
