Phlebotomy
Current as of: March 28, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD – Family Medicine
Phlebotomy is a procedure that removes blood from the body. Regular phlebotomy treatment is used to treat conditions such as hemochromatosis, in which a person has too much iron in his or her blood, or polycythemia, in which a person is producing too many red blood cells. Removing blood regularly decreases iron levels…
Current as of: March 28, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
03/28/2019
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
Phlebotomy is a procedure that removes blood from the body. Regular phlebotomy treatment is used to treat conditions such as hemochromatosis, in which a person has too much iron in his or her blood, or polycythemia, in which a person is producing too many red blood cells.
Removing blood regularly decreases iron levels in the body by reducing the number of iron-rich red blood cells. Phlebotomy is safe when done by a health professional in appropriate situations. The process is similar to donating blood. A health professional inserts a needle into an arm vein and removes about 500 mL (17 fl oz) of blood.
Removal of excess iron can significantly reduce the possibility of severe and even life-threatening damage to the liver and other organs.
Current as of: March 28, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD – Family Medicine
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
Current as of: March 28, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
03/28/2019
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.