Therapeutic Phlebotomy: Patient Education

Therapeutic phlebotomy is a procedure to remove blood from the body.  It is done in the same way as a blood donation.  During the procedure about a cup to a pint of blood depending on the doctor’s order will be taken from a vein in your arm.  Therapeutic phlebotomy is used to treat certain diseases such as:

• Polycythemia Vera: too many red blood cells in the blood

• Hemochromatosis: too much iron in the blood

• Sickle Cell Disease: abnormally shaped red blood cells

• Hemosiderosis: iron deposits in tissues that usually do not cause tissue damage

The donation process:

It is a good idea to drink fluids and eat before the phlebotomy.   You will lie down or sit in a reclining chair.  Your nurse will check your arms for the best vein to draw the blood from.  The skin covering the selected vein is cleansed.  A new, sterile needle that is connected to plastic tubing and a blood bag is inserted into the vein.  You will be asked to squeeze your hand repeatedly to help blood flow from the vein into the blood bag.  When the ordered amount of blood is collected the nurse will remove the needle and apply pressure to the site.  The nurse will then cover the site with gauze and self-adherent dressing.  Keep the dressing in place and clean and dry for 24 hours.  Collected blood is discarded.  After the phlebotomy you will rest for at least 15 minutes and then will be discharged from the center when stable.  The entire process takes approximately one hour. 

Possible side effects of therapeutic phlebotomy:

Most people feel fine during and after giving blood.  Some people may have the following:

• An upset stomach

• Dizzy, feeling light headed or tired

• Low blood pressure

• Soreness, redness, bruising (black and blue marks) or pain where the needle was placed

• Very rarely, a person may faint, have muscle spasms, or suffer nerve damage

After the procedure:

• Drink plenty of water, milk or fruit juices for the rest of the day. 

• You may get dizzy or lightheaded after giving blood, do not plan to do anything that could put you or others at risk

• No heavy exercise or lifting for 24 hours after the procedure

• If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down and put your feet up until you feel better

• If the area where the needle was placed starts to bleed, raise your arm straight up.  Press on the area with a gauze bandage or clean paper towel until the bleeding stops

• If any symptoms continue or worsen contact your physician or go to the emergency room immediately.