Phlebotomy
Current as of: December 9, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
PhlebotomyPhlebotomy 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: December 9, 2019 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine |
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