What Is Therapeutic Phlebotomy?

More frequently, we receive requests from patients and providers wondering if we provide therapeutic phlebotomy services. Yes, Hunt Medical Services offers mobile therapeutic phlebotomy services throughout central Maryland and northern Virginia.

If your doctor has ordered this procedure, or you have a friend or loved one who has had this procedure, you may be wondering: What is therapeutic phlebotomy?

What Is Therapeutic Phlebotomy, and What Conditions Is It Used for?

At the most basic level, therapeutic phlebotomy is the drawing of blood with an express clinical purpose. Instead of removing blood simply for testing, the goal of therapeutic phlebotomy is to remove blood in an effort to decrease the levels of certain substances in the patient’s body.

Therapeutic phlebotomy often is used in the treatment of hereditary blood disorders, such as hemochromatosis, porphyrias, polycythemia, or sickle cell disease. It is not a cure for any of these diseases; rather, it is designed to help alleviate the symptoms of the disease, improve quality of life, and reduce complications.

Depending on the condition treated, blood is removed to decrease levels of iron or red blood cells in the body. The amount of blood removed differs from patient to patient, and any blood removed usually is discarded and replacement fluids such as saline may be infused.

How Is Therapeutic Phlebotomy Performed?

Therapeutic phlebotomy is similar to donating blood for a blood drive. The blood is removed from the patient’s arm using a needle.

Patients are made as comfortable as possible in our mobile phlebotomy facility, with comfortable chairs and friendly staff. If you are utilizing Hunt Medical Services for therapeutic phlebotomy, we recommend bringing a book or something else to keep you occupied during the collection.

Is Therapeutic Phlebotomy Safe?

Yes, therapeutic phlebotomy is safe and always conducted under the direction of a licensed physician. However, just as with any other blood collection procedure, there are some minor risks, including:

• Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness, similar to what may be experienced after donating blood
• Numbness, bruising, or pain at the site of the needle stick

Hunt Medical Services employs only qualified, experienced phlebotomists, similar to what you would find in the lab of any doctor’s office or hospital. We know how to perform lab draws and blood collections as quickly and painlessly as possible, and will do everything we can to make your therapeutic phlebotomy experience a positive one.

Convenient Therapeutic Phlebotomy Services in Maryland and Virginia

At Hunt Medical Services, we aim to make your therapeutic phlebotomy and mobile lab draw as convenient as possible. Our trained mobile phlebotomist travels to your home or office at a time that’s convenient for you, making sure you can get on with your day as quickly as possible. To learn more about our services or schedule your own mobile blood draw, contact us today!