Why is this procedure done?
Blood carries oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. Blood is made up of many parts: Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. You need iron in your body to help make red blood cells. Sometimes, you may have too much iron in your blood. This may happen with conditions like: ‚
- Hemochromatosis
- Porphyria
- Polycythemia
If you have too much iron or red blood cells in your blood, your doctor may order a therapeutic phlebotomy. This means you will have a certain amount of blood taken from your body to lower the amount of iron or red blood cells in your system. This blood may or may not be able to be used for other people. Talk to your doctor about this. ‚
What will the results be?
After you have blood drawn, your bone marrow is stimulated to make new red blood cells. Your body uses iron from its stores to make the red blood cells and this lowers your overall iron levels. Therapeutic phlebotomy may have to be repeated many times to keep your iron levels or red blood cell levels within normal range. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription, over the counter, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor if you have any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are: Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order lab tests.
- The doctor will order how much blood you should have drawn and how often. This is based on how much iron is in your blood, your condition, and overall health.
- Your doctor may tell you to drink extra fluids the day before to help your blood flow.
What happens during the procedure?
You will need a small catheter called an I.V. It is placed in a large vein in your arm or hand. The blood flows out by gravity into a small bag at your side. This may take 1 to 4 hours, based on how much blood you need to give. You will be awake and may be lying flat during the procedure. The staff will closely watch you while you give the blood. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
The doctor will take out your I.V. line and you may be able to go home. Your arm may be a little sore or bruised for a few days. If you feel faint or weak, your doctor may give you I.V. fluids or have you drink extra fluids. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- You may be able to go back to your normal activities after the procedure.
- Avoid heavy activity for at least 24 hours. Ask your doctor what level of activity is right for you.
- Avoid drinking beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) or caffeine after your procedure.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water within 24 hours of the procedure.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may have iron or red blood cell levels drawn every 4 to 8 weeks during your care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Low blood pressure
- Bruising
- Infection
- Low iron levels
- Too few red blood cells
- Feeling dizzy or faint
When do I need to call the doctor?
Signs of low blood pressure like feeling dizzy, weak, or tired; fainting; more thirst; or skin that is pale, cool, and clammy ‚
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hemochromatosis/training/treatment/phlebotomy_treatment.html ‚
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hemo/treatment.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚