Venesection
- Overview
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Venesection is a procedure to reduce red blood cells, similar to the process of donating blood. It will reduce the amount of blood in your body by removing about one pint (half a litre) of blood at a time. This is the simplest and quickest way of reducing the number of red cells in your blood.
Why is it necessary to have a venesection?
Venesection is necessary when there are too many red cells compared to the liquid part of the blood (polycythaemia) or when there is too much iron in the body (haemochromatosis). Having a venesection takes away cells and liquid.
How often will this be needed?
This will be different for everyone. Once your condition is under control, you may need it every 6 to 12 weeks. Follow-up blood tests will show how effective it has been.
How is a venesection done?
A tourniquet is applied to your arm, and the needle (which is already fixed to the blood collection bag) is inserted into your vein. This is left fixed in place with tape throughout the collection and is removed at the end.
Before your appointment
Please eat as normal before the procedure and drink plenty of fluids to avoid being dehydrated, you can continue with normal activities before and after the test.
Ways to pay
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