phlebotomy

Phlebotomy
also known as venesection, is the act of drawing or removing blood from the circulatory system through a cut (incision) or puncture in order to obtain a sample for analysis and diagnosis, for the purpose of blood donation or for patient's treatment for certain blood disorders.

Therapeutic phlebotomy
refers to the drawing of a unit of blood in specific cases like

Hemochromatosis polycythemia vera porphyria cutanea tarda, etc.

to reduce the amount of red blood cells.

Phlebotomy for treatment of hemochromatosis typically involves removing a unit of bloodor 250 mg of iron once a week. Phlebotomy sessions are required until iron levels return to a consistently normal level, which may take several months to several years.

Phlebotomy for polycythemia vera removes enough blood to keep the patient's hematocrit below 45%. The frequency and duration of sessions depends on the patient's individual needs.

Aftercare
After blood is drawn and the needle is removed, pressure is placed on the puncture site with a cotton ball to stop bleeding, and a bandage is applied. It is not uncommon for a patient to feel dizzy or nauseated during or after phlebotomy. The patient may be encouraged to rest for a short period once the procedure is completed. Patients are also instructed to drink plenty of fluids and eat regularly over the next 24 hours to replace lost blood volume. Patients who experience swelling of the puncture site or continued bleeding after phlebotomy should get medical help at once.

Risks
Most patients will have a small bruise or mild soreness at the puncture site for several days. Therapeutic phlebotomy may cause thrombocytosis and chronic iron deficiency (anemia) in some patients. As with any invasive procedure, infection is also a risk. This risk can be minimized by the use of prepackaged sterilized equipment and careful attention to proper technique.