How Your Appointment Works
Doctor's Order Required · Recent Lab Work Required
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Phlebotomy Session
Therapeutic phlebotomy requirements
Living with hemochromatosis, polycythemia vera, or elevated hematocrit from testosterone replacement therapy? Therapeutic phlebotomy is the medically prescribed treatment that removes a controlled volume of blood to lower iron levels or red blood cell counts.
Therapeutic phlebotomy requires a doctor's order AND recent bloodwork (within 48 hours of your scheduled appointment). We do not accept walk-ins or online bookings for this service. Call to schedule and confirm your paperwork.
What is Therapeutic Phlebotomy?
Therapeutic phlebotomy — also called therapeutic blood draw or iron reduction therapy — is a medically prescribed procedure that removes a controlled amount of blood (typically 450–500 mL, or about one unit) from your body. The goal is to lower elevated red blood cell counts, reduce iron overload, or manage thickened blood that increases cardiovascular risk.
Unlike voluntary blood donation, therapeutic phlebotomy is a medical treatment performed under a physician's orders. The blood removed is discarded—not donated—because it contains the very iron or red blood cells your body needs to release.
A typical session removes one unit of blood over 15–20 minutes. Most patients on a regular schedule feel completely normal within 24 hours.
What Conditions Require Therapeutic Phlebotomy?
Therapeutic phlebotomy is prescribed for several specific medical conditions. The most common include:
Hereditary Hemochromatosis
A genetic condition where the body absorbs and stores too much iron from food. Over the years, excess iron damages the liver, heart, pancreas, and joints.
Therapeutic phlebotomy is the gold standard treatment—it's the most reliable way to reduce iron levels and prevent organ damage.
Many newly diagnosed hemochromatosis patients require weekly or bi-weekly phlebotomy for several months until ferritin levels normalize, then transition to maintenance every 2–4 months.
Polycythemia Vera (PV)
A rare blood cancer where bone marrow produces too many red blood cells, thickening the blood and raising the risk.
Therapeutic phlebotomy is a primary treatment, often combined with low-dose aspirin and (in some cases) cytoreductive medications.
Most PV patients need phlebotomy every 2–6 weeks to maintain hematocrit under 45%.
Secondary Polycythemia
Elevated red blood cell counts caused by another condition — chronic lung disease, sleep apnea, kidney issues, smoking, or living at high altitude. Therapeutic phlebotomy helps manage symptoms while the underlying cause is treated.
TRT-Induced Erythrocytosis (Elevated Hematocrit from Testosterone Therapy)
Testosterone replacement therapy stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow. For many men, this leads to elevated hematocrit (Hct) and hemoglobin (Hgb), which can cause headaches, fatigue, high blood pressure, or dizziness and increase cardiovascular risk.
Who Schedules Therapeutic Phlebotomy at QuickTest?
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Hemochromatosis patients — newly diagnosed or on long-term maintenance
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Polycythemia vera patients — managed by their hematologist
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TRT patients — men with elevated hematocrit from testosterone therapy
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Porphyria cutanea tarda patients — under dermatologist or hepatologist care
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Patients on a recurring schedule — looking to consolidate care closer to home
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Patients new to AZ—relocating and need a Mesa provider
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Patients whose hospital phlebotomy clinic is fully booked—we can usually accommodate within a few days.
Two Convenient Ways to Receive Treatment
In-Office Service
Visit our professional medical facility in Mesa for your therapeutic phlebotomy treatment.
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Medical-grade environment
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Comfortable recliners
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All safety equipment on-site
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Pre-procedure H&H testing
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Vital signs monitoring
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Convenient Mesa location
