What level of ferritin requires venesection?

Therapeutic venesection is indicated in patients with symptoms or end-organ manifestations and in those with serum ferritin ≥1000 µg/L.

How do you perform a venesection?

A venesection is very similar to a blood donation. A tourniquet is placed around your arm and a needle is inserted into a vein within the elbow region. This needle is attached to a tube and bag that can hold approximately 450ml of blood. Once the blood is flowing the tourniquet will be loosened slightly.

Is venesection the same as phlebotomy?

What is a venesection? 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 much does ferritin drop after venesection?

Ferritin drops by about 30-50ng/mL with each full unit of blood removed. Ferritin levels can be distorted.

Which vein is used for venesection?

The three commonly used veins are the basilic and cephalic (in the upper limb) and the long saphenous at the ankle. Occasionally the long saphenous (in the thigh of infants) and the external jugular vein may be used.

When do you do a venesection?

Venesection is a procedure where a trained nurse or doctor removes approximately 450mls of blood from your circulation. The procedure is the same as for blood donors. Why is a venesection necessary? Venesection is used for the treatment of haematological (blood) conditions such as: Polycythaemia and Haemachromatosis.

What happens to body after venesection?

Any bruising should disappear after a few days. Feeling Faint: Occasionally people feel faint during or following venesection. If this happens we will lay you down flat and give you a drink. This will make you feel better quite quickly.

Who can perform venesection?

Venesection is an invasive procedure that must only be performed by accredited Registered Nurses or Enrolled Nurses working under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Venesections must be ordered by a Haematology Consultant with patient review appointment within a 12 month period.

How will I feel after venesection?

Are there any side effects of the venesection? Most people carry on as normal following their venesection, but a few do report feeling tired for a few days following the procedure. You may have bruising to the venesection site.

Can turmeric lower ferritin levels?

Turmeric is one of the BEST nutritional supplements shown by clinical research to reduce iron build-up in the body. Most significantly, turmeric can lower ferritin by chelating iron from the body.

What is therapeutic phlebotomy procedure?

Therapeutic phlebotomy is a blood draw that’s done to treat a medical problem, such as having too much iron in your blood. With therapeutic phlebotomy, more blood is drawn than during a regular blood draw. Your doctor will decide how much blood will be drawn based on the reason you’re having the procedure.

What should I eat and drink before venesection?

Your consultant will be kept informed and will continue to monitor your progress in their out-patient clinic. Please eat as normal and drink plenty of fluids prior to your venesection as it will make it easier to insert the needle into one of your veins and you are less likely to feel faint following the procedure.