phlebotomy services
what is phlebotomy?
Therapeutic phlebotomy is a medical procedure in which blood is intentionally drawn from a patient as a treatment for specific health conditions. Unlike diagnostic phlebotomy, which is used to gather blood samples for testing, therapeutic phlebotomy is done to reduce the volume or concentration of specific components in the blood that are causing health issues. The frequency and amount of blood removed depends on the specific condition and how it is being managed. Health issues that might require phlebotomy include:
Hemochromatosis
Polycythemia
Receiving therapeutic phlebotomy is quite similar to donating blood, but the key differences are that it's done for medical treatment rather than donation, and it does not have the same restrictions. Therefore, recent travel history, recent tattoo/piercing, or presence of a blood borne infection, amongst many other restrictions that come with blood donation, will not disqualify you from receiving phlebotomy.
why phlebotomy?
People might need therapeutic phlebotomy for a variety of medical conditions, most of which involve issues with blood volume, red blood cells, iron, or other components of the blood. One of the most common reasons for phlebotomy we see at our clinic, is the presence of excess red blood cells.
The ways in which excess red blood cells can impact the body vary depending on the severity of the condition. Many people experience milder symptoms like headache, fatigue, or dizziness. More severely, when red blood cell levels rise too much it can make the blood thicker and more viscous, increasing the risk of cardiovascular issues. In these cases, therapeutic phlebotomy is used to reduce the red blood cell count and restore blood flow to a safer level.
Factors that may lead to excess red blood cells include:
our process
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Recent Hemoglobin (HGB) and Ferritin levels are to be checked minimum 4 weeks before phlebotomy.
Typically, Ferritin or HGB will be out of range before we would advise a phlebotomy.
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Once a True Balance practitioner has ordered a phlebotomy, one of our qualified IV nurses will perform the procedure.
The procedure itself is similar to donating blood.
You'll be seated or reclined comfortably in a chair, and your nurse will take your vitals and make sure you're relaxed.
Your nurse will clean your skin with an an alcohol swab and then insert a needle into a vein, typically in the arm (similar to how a blood draw is done). This step is quick and relatively painless.
Once the needle is in place, blood is drawn into a collection bag. The amount of blood removed will depend on your bloodwork levels. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes for most people.
It’s important to rest for a few minutes after the procedure to ensure you don’t feel lightheaded or dizzy. Drink plenty of fluids before and after to help your body recover. Water/juice and snacks are available if a patient feels lightheaded.
Procedure fee: $150
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Before receiving another phlebotomy, you will be given a blood requisition by your practitioner to do 4-8 weeks after your initial phlebotomy.
This blood requisition will re-check your levels. If these levels are in normal ranges, then another phlebotomy will not be advised. If your levels are out of range, we may suggest lifestyle changes.
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We will typically only advise a subsequent phlebotomy if you present elevated levels consistently following your initial phlebotomy.
