Therapeutic phlebotomy in Mesa removes a measured volume of blood to manage conditions like hemochromatosis and polycythemia vera—a physician's order is required. Performed by trained clinical staff Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM. Call to get schedule.
How Your Appointment Works
Doctor's Order Required · Recent Lab Work Required
Email or fax your doctor's order
We Schedule your appointment
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 to Expect at Your Session
When you arrive, we start by taking your vital signs to make sure you're ready for your session.
We already confirmed your labs and doctor's order when we scheduled you, so there's nothing left to sort out at the door.
The draw itself takes 15 to 20 minutes, removing the volume your doctor prescribed (typically one unit, about 450–500 mL).
Our team stays with you the entire time. Afterward, you rest for a few minutes while we make sure you're steady before you head out, and have refreshments on hand if you need them.
Before your appointment, drink plenty of water and eat a light meal. Afterward, keep drinking fluids and skip heavy lifting or intense exercise for 24 hours. Most patients feel completely normal by the next day.
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. For many men, that pushes hematocrit and hemoglobin too high—causing headaches, fatigue, high blood pressure, or dizziness.
Therapeutic phlebotomy brings those levels back down without stopping your TRT.
Most patients donate one unit on a schedule set by their prescribing doctor — often every 8 to 12 weeks — and keep their protocol on track.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a doctor's order for therapeutic phlebotomy? Yes — this is a medical treatment, not a walk-in test. Your order needs to include your diagnosis, how much blood to remove, how often, and your target hemoglobin or hematocrit levels. Email or fax it to us along with bloodwork from the last 48 hours, and we'll schedule your appointment.
Why can't my blood be donated? Blood removed during therapeutic phlebotomy is safely discarded, not donated — it contains the excess iron or red blood cells your treatment is designed to remove.
How often will I need therapeutic phlebotomy? It depends on your condition and your doctor's plan. Newly diagnosed hemochromatosis patients often start weekly or every other week, then drop to maintenance every 2 to 4 months once ferritin normalizes. Polycythemia vera patients typically come every 2 to 6 weeks to keep hematocrit under 45%. TRT patients usually follow a schedule set by their prescribing provider.
How should I prepare for my appointment? Drink plenty of water and eat a light meal beforehand. Afterward, keep up the fluids and avoid heavy lifting or intense exercise for 24 hours.
