Practice Information
Venesection procedures
Venesection (also called therapeutic blood removal or therapeutic phlebotomy) is a procedure where a small amount of blood is removed from your vein, similar to a blood donation. This helps lower the number of red blood cells or iron in your body. At the San GP Centre at Wahroonga our doctors perform venesection for haemotochromosis and polycythemia subject to clinical assessment for suitability, and can provide advice on this and any other medical issues as required.
Venesection is commonly used to manage the following health conditions:
- Haemochromatosis (too much iron in the body)
- Polycythaemia vera (too many red blood cells)
It helps to:
- Reduce iron levels
- Improve blood flow by thinning the blood
- Prevent long-term complications such as liver damage, heart problems, or blood clots.