Phlebotomy, Get to Know the Blood Sampling Procedure and Its Uses

Phlebotomy is a blood collection procedure by inserting a needle into a vein. This technique aims to confirm the diagnosis of disease and treat several blood disorders, such as polycythemia vera.

When performing a phlebotomy procedure, the health worker will insert a needle into the skin until it reaches the veins, especially those located in the crease of the elbow, because it is easy to see. The amount of blood taken through a phlebotomy varies, depending on the needs and the type of examination to be carried out.

Phlebotomy, Get to Know the Blood Sampling Procedure and Its Uses

Recognizing the Purpose of Phlebotomy

Phlebotomy is usually performed to establish a diagnosis of disease and determine the necessary further examinations. By examining blood samples, doctors can evaluate blood cell levels and the amount of other components in the blood, such as levels of vitamins, minerals, blood fats, blood sugar, and enzymes.

Not only for diagnosing disease, phlebotomy is also used as a treating blood disorders, such as polycythemia vera or too many red blood cells and hemochromatosis or iron buildup.

This procedure can be an effective way to avoid the risk of blood clots forming in the blood vessels.

Preparation before Undergoing Phlebotomy

Actually, you do not need special preparation before undergoing phlebotomy. However, the doctor will ask you not to eat for 8-12 hours before the blood draw is carried out. This is usually recommended for certain tests, such as fasting blood sugar or cholesterol.

In addition, you are also advised not to consume alcoholic beverages, smoke, and do strenuous exercise just before taking blood. If you are currently taking certain medications or supplements, you should consult your doctor first.

Knowing the Phlebotomy Procedure

The following are some steps to take when undergo a phlebotomy procedure:

  • You will be asked to sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
  • Roll up your sleeves if you are wearing a long shirt or shirt.
  • Place the arm at the side on a soft, flat surface.
  • The medical worker will tie a bandage or tourniquet at 7−10 cm above the elbow crease.
  • You will be asked to clench your fist for 15−30 seconds to dilate the veins and make them stand out.
  • The medical worker will feel the elbow crease area to look for large blood vessels.
  • The medical worker will clean the area of ​​blood collection with alcohol swab and insert the needle into the vein. The selection of needles is usually adjusted to the needs and availability of the tool.
  • After the blood collection is complete, the medical officer will remove the stem before removing the needle.
  • The medical officer will cover the injection site with alcohol swab and asks you to press it for a few minutes until the bleeding stops.

The process of taking blood does not take long, usually only about 2−3 minutes. However, the duration of the phlebotomy process also depends on how much blood is needed.

Meanwhile, phlebotomy for treatment or therapeutic bleeding, has a procedure like blood donation. It's just that beforehand the doctor will determine how much blood must be removed, then prepare the same or more amount of intravenous fluids to replace the fluid that comes out with the blood.

Therapeutic phlebotomy is carried out in stages over 1−2 hours, depending how much blood is ejected This procedure can be repeated several times according to the condition of the blood disorders experienced by the sufferer.

Side Effects of Phlebotomy

Phlebotomy for laboratory blood tests and therapeutic phlebotomy is a procedure safe and minimal risk. However, those of you who are afraid or even have a phobia of needles or blood will certainly feel uncomfortable and experience several symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and fainting.

To overcome this, you can apply relaxation techniques such as control your breathing, stretch your muscles, or watch a video to distract yourself.

In addition, after undergoing a blood draw procedure, you may feel sore and bruised in the area around the puncture site. However, you don't need to worry because this is normal and can go away in a few days.

Phlebotomy is a blood sampling procedure that is usually performed based on a doctor's recommendation to see the patient's health condition and determine the treatment. Therefore, you don't need to be afraid if your doctor advises you to undergo this procedure.

If you still have questions about the phlebotomy procedure and the preparations that must be done beforehand, you can consult your doctor first.

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