Venesection (Phlebotomy) is
the act of drawing or removing blood from the circulatory system through a cut (incision) or puncture for the purpose of analysis, blood donations or treatment for blood disorders
.
How is a venesection done?
It’s a simple procedure done just like having a blood draw or making a blood donation –
a doctor or nurse inserts a needle into your vein and collects some blood
. Patients with PV usually have about anywhere from 350 ml to 500 ml of blood removed during venesection.
What are the side effects of venesection?
Venesection is generally safe and has few side effects. Possible complications include
local venepuncture site haematoma, phlebitis, nerve injury, venous scarring, hypovolaemia and vasovagal syncope
. The patient should also be warned of feeling lethargic for a few days after the procedure.
How long does it take to recover from venesection?
To help this process, you are encouraged to drink plenty of fluid before and after your venesection. The normal life span of a red blood cell is approximately 120 days. Your body is constantly making new red blood cells to replace old ones. It can take
up to two months
to replace the red blood cells removed.
Should you eat before venesection?
This is more likely to happen if you are taking blood pressure tablets and if you have not eaten beforehand. Day prior to venesection:
Drink plenty of fluids the day before to stay hydrated
.
What happens after a Venesection?
Immediately after the procedure you
may feel dizzy
. This can be minimised by resting and drinking fluids. You may feel a little lethargic for a couple of days. You can resume all your normal activities after the procedure.
What is the life expectancy of someone with hemochromatosis?
Most people with hemochromatosis have
a normal life expectancy
. Survival may be shortened in people who are not treated and develop cirrhosis or diabetes mellitus.
How much blood is taken in a Venesection?
What is a venesection and what does it do? This is the simplest and quickest way of reducing the number of red cells in your blood. It will reduce the amount of blood in your body by removing
about one pint (half a litre) of
blood at a time.
How does haemochromatosis affect the body?
Hereditary hemochromatosis (he-moe-kroe-muh-TOE-sis) causes
your body to absorb too much iron from the food you eat
. Excess iron is stored in your organs, especially your liver, heart and pancreas. Too much iron can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as liver disease, heart problems and diabetes.
Can haemochromatosis be cured?
There’s currently no cure for haemochromatosis
, but there are treatments that can reduce the amount of iron in your body. This can help relieve some of the symptoms and reduce the risk of damage to organs such as the heart, liver and pancreas.
How much water should I drink before Venesection?
This is generally the case for blood tests and surgeries. If your phlebotomy specialist says it is OK to drink water before getting blood drawn, try to drink the recommended daily amount of water, which is
64 ounces
. Before you donate, drink a glass of water that’s about 16 ounces.
How often does Venesection haemochromatosis occur?
When a patient is first diagnosed with Haemachromatosis they will have venesections every few weeks to bring the ferritin levels down. They will then go onto a maintenance venesection programme, often
every 3-4 months
.
Is phlebotomy and Venesection the same?
Phlebotomy, known also as
bloodletting
or venesection, is a major therapeutic procedure that has been performed by physicians in various civilisations since antiquity up to the present
1 , 2
.
What are two conditions that cause polycythemia?
- Hypoxia from long standing (chronic) lung disease and smoking are common causes of polycythemia. …
- Chronic carbon monoxide (CO) exposure can also be a risk factor for polycythemia.
What is high iron called?
Hemochromatosis, or iron overload
, is a condition in which your body stores too much iron. It’s often genetic. It can cause serious damage to your body, including to your heart, liver and pancreas. You can’t prevent the disease, but early diagnosis and treatment can avoid, slow or reverse organ damage.
What gauge is a butterfly needle?
Most butterfly needles range from
18 to 27 gauge
. The higher the number is, the smaller or thinner the needle size is. While the size can vary, most needle sizes are 21 to 23 gauge.
