Therapeutic Phlebotomy - Also known as blood dumping, bloodletting, donation, therapeutic draw.

What is Therapeutic Phlebotomy

Therapeutic phlebotomy is a medical procedure where a trained healthcare professional removes a measured amount of blood from a patient to treat certain conditions, primarily those involving excess iron or an elevated red blood cell count. It's similar to blood donation but is performed for specific medical reasons, often under a physician's prescription 

Conditions Treated:

TRT: Testosterone Replacement Therapy: 

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a treatment for men who have low testosterone levels due to hypogonadism, a condition where the body doesn't produce enough testosterone. It involves using manufactured forms of testosterone to regulate levels and improve various symptoms and conditions related to low testosterone.

Why is therapeutic phlebotomy needed when on TRT:

To prevent Polycythemia, Hemochromatosis.

When is it considered?

Elevated hematocrit:
If a patient's hematocrit exceeds 54%, TRT may be discontinued or reduced, and a phlebotomy may be considered. 

Symptoms of hyperviscosity:
If patients experience symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or blurred vision due to thick blood, phlebotomy may be recommended. 

Monitoring:
Regular monitoring of hematocrit is crucial to detect and manage erythrocytosis. 

Testosterone therapy-induced erythrocytosis: can phlebotomy 

There is a general consensus that hematocrit >54% requires TRT withdrawal (and sometimes phlebotomy) to minimize the risks of VTE -Venous Thromboembolism.

Exploring the Benefits of Donating Blood on TRT

Therapeutic phlebotomy is the medical procedure to withdrawal 500mls of blood from a person's body in order to treat certain conditions, such as hereditary hemochromatosis. polycythemia vera, as well as other medical conditions that cause the blood to retain iron causing iron overload in the blood. 

Arizona Mobile Phlebotomy-AMPS BLOOD: Is available to perform this procedure in the privacy of your home, office, hospital, clinic or Dr's office.

Blood donors receiving testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) often require therapeutic phlebotomy, due to erythrocytosis. 


 Here's a more detailed look:

TRT can increase the risk of certain side effects, such as headaches, high blood pressure, blood clotting, polycythemia (increased red blood cell count), and peripheral edema (swelling in the legs and feet). 

It can also increase the risk of prostate problems, such as prostate cancer. 

Some men may experience mood changes or irritability. 


Important Considerations:

TRT should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional. 

It's essential to discuss the potential benefits and risks of TRT with a doctor to determine if it's the right treatment option. 

Regular monitoring and follow-up with a healthcare provider are necessary to ensure safe and effective treatment. 

Note: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment. 


What it is:

TRT is a prescription treatment for men with low testosterone levels. 

It involves taking testosterone, often in the form of injections, gels, patches, or implants, to restore normal testosterone levels. 

The goal is to improve symptoms and conditions related to low testosterone, such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, low energy, and mood changes. 


Why it's needed:

Hypogonadism, or low testosterone, can cause a range of symptoms, including low energy, decreased libido, mood changes, and muscle loss.

TRT can help to improve these symptoms and restore a sense of well-being. 


How it works:

TRT works by replacing the testosterone that the body is not producing enough of. 

By restoring testosterone levels to a normal range, TRT can help to improve the symptoms and conditions associated with low testosterone. 


Potential benefits:


Potential risks:

RT can increase the risk of certain side effects, such as acne, polycythemia (increased red blood cell count), and peripheral edema (swelling in the legs and feet). 

It can also increase the risk of prostate problems, such as prostate cancer. 

Some men may experience mood changes or irritability. 


Important Considerations:

TRT should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional. 

It's essential to discuss the potential benefits and risks of TRT with a doctor to determine if it's the right treatment option. 

Regular monitoring and follow-up with a healthcare provider are necessary to ensure safe and effective treatment. 

Note: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment. 


Hemochromatosis:

An iron overload disorder where the body absorbs too much iron from food, leading to potential organ damage. 

Polycythemia Vera:

A bone marrow disease that causes the body to produce too many red blood cells, increasing blood viscosity and the risk of clots. 

Porphyria Cutanea Tarda:

A condition where the body's iron levels are high, causing skin blisters and other symptoms.

Sickle Cell Disease:

In some cases, phlebotomy is used to manage iron overload that can occur due to multiple transfusions required for the disease. 

Other conditions:

It may also be used for conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or in specific cases related to kidney transplants. 

Procedure:

Patients are usually advised to drink plenty of fluids before the procedure. 

 Blood Draw:
 A phlebotomist uses a needle connected to a blood collection bag to draw the necessary amount of blood. 

Monitoring:
The patient is monitored after the procedure for 15-20 minutes to ensure there are no complications. 

Post-Procedure Care:
The patient is advised to drink more fluids and avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours. 


Benefits:

Reduces Iron Levels:  

Helps lower iron levels in the blood, which can protect vital organs like the liver and heart.

Reduces Red Blood Cell Mass:

Decreases the risk of blood clots and other complications associated with polycythemia vera.

Improves Quality of life:

Can alleviate symptoms and improve the overall quality of life for individuals with these condition.