Therapeutic phlebotomy in Belgrade, price from 24,000 RSD

What is phlebotomy and how does it work

Therapeutic phlebotomy, also called venesection, is a procedure in which a set amount of blood is removed from a vein as treatment. The word comes from Greek and means opening a vein. It has nothing in common with old-fashioned bloodletting: it is done with sterile equipment, for a clear medical reason and under monitoring.

It works in two ways. When the blood holds too many red cells, removing some of it lowers the haematocrit and thins the blood. When the body has stored too much iron, that iron leaves together with haemoglobin. The body then uses its iron stores to build new red cells, so ferritin falls step by step.

Phlebotomy does not remove the cause of the disease. It keeps the values in a safe range and lowers the risk of complications, such as liver damage from iron overload or blood clots from thick blood.

When a doctor recommends phlebotomy

The decision is made by a doctor, usually a haematologist, after an examination and blood tests: haemoglobin, haematocrit and ferritin, and where needed transferrin saturation or a genetic test. Phlebotomy is not done on request or to “cleanse the blood”.

The most common reasons for therapeutic phlebotomy are:

• hereditary haemochromatosis, an inherited condition in which the body absorbs and stores too much iron
• polycythaemia vera, a bone marrow disease with too many red blood cells and a high haematocrit
• secondary polycythaemia, when another condition raises the haematocrit and the doctor finds blood removal helpful
• porphyria cutanea tarda, a disorder with blisters on sun-exposed skin, where lowering iron eases the symptoms

How to prepare for phlebotomy

Preparation helps the procedure go smoothly, without dizziness. Do not come on an empty stomach: a fed, well hydrated body copes better with the loss of fluid.

If you take blood pressure medicine or blood thinners, tell the doctor before the procedure. Do not stop any medicine on your own.

Before your appointment:

• eat a light meal a few hours beforehand
• drink plenty of fluids the day before and that morning, ideally water
• do not plan any strenuous exercise that day
• bring your latest blood count and ferritin results
• wear a top with a sleeve that rolls up easily above the elbow

What happens during phlebotomy and how long it takes

First a nurse measures your blood pressure and pulse, and the doctor checks your latest results. If haemoglobin is too low or blood pressure has dropped, the procedure is postponed.

You lie down or sit reclined in a chair. A tourniquet goes on the upper arm, the skin in the crook of the elbow is disinfected and a needle is placed in the vein. Blood flows through a tube into a sterile bag, usually about 450 to 500 ml. The doctor sets the exact volume, and it may be smaller for older or slightly built people.

The blood removal itself usually takes around ten minutes, and the whole visit with preparation and rest about 20 to 30 minutes. Throughout, the staff monitor your blood pressure, pulse and how you feel. If the doctor considers it necessary, fluids are replaced.

At the end the needle is removed and the puncture site is pressed with a swab and bandaged. The blood is not used further and is disposed of safely as medical waste.

After phlebotomy: rest, possible discomfort and frequency

After the procedure, stay seated or lying down for about ten minutes and have a glass of water or juice. Most people return to their usual day the same day.

Possible discomfort includes dizziness, weakness and a bruise at the puncture site. Dizziness usually passes once you lie down and raise your legs, and the bruise fades within a few days. If you feel very light-headed or your vision blurs during or after the procedure, say so at once. Staff are present the whole time and also handle fainting.

For the next 24 hours drink more than usual, avoid carrying loads with the arm used and skip hard training. If the bruise spreads or the puncture site swells and hurts, contact a doctor.

The doctor decides how often you need phlebotomy. In haemochromatosis it is often done weekly at first, until ferritin reaches the target, and then a few times a year. In polycythaemia the rhythm depends on the haematocrit. That is why blood tests are checked regularly between sessions.

Phlebotomy versus blood donation

Phlebotomy looks like giving blood: the same position, a similar needle and a similar volume. The difference is the purpose. A donor gives blood to help someone else, while phlebotomy is part of the patient's own treatment.

So phlebotomy is done on a doctor's order, at a rhythm that suits the condition and with blood tests beforehand. In this setting, blood from therapeutic phlebotomy is not used for transfusion. At Medical Time it is disposed of safely as medical waste.

At Medical Time hospital you can have your blood tests, a follow-up visit with a haematologist and the procedure itself in one place. Appointments are arranged quickly by phone on 062-399-888.

Price of phlebotomy in Belgrade

At Medical Time hospital the price of phlebotomy is from 24,000 RSD. Blood tests and a haematologist visit are separate services with their own prices in the price list.

• Phlebotomy, blood removal
• Blood tests before the procedure (separate service)
• Haematologist visit (separate service)

Phlebotomyfrom 24,000 RSD

For an appointment call 062-399-888.

Frequently asked questions about phlebotomy

Related pages

Examinations and services linked to phlebotomy. For the opposite problem, iron deficiency, an iron infusion is used.