Venesection Procedure Explained

Venesection is a type of treatment that reduces the risk that may result in the increased number of red blood cells flowing in the body. The idea is to remove those extra cells to keep the body from becoming sluggish, or developing thrombosis and similar problems.

Understanding Venesection

What does venesection do?

It helps reduce the number of red cells in your blood by removing about 1 pint or half a liter of blood at a time. It is the quickest way to reduce the number of red blood cells in the body, and it follows the same procedure as when collecting blood for donation.

How often should a treatment be performed?

Venesection differs from one person to another, but the frequency or infrequency of the procedure will depend on how a patient responds to the treatment. Most of the time, a patient may need venesection every week, which would later become every 6 to 12 weeks, if their condition improves or becomes under control.

Venesection procedure in depth

Equipment needed for this treatment includes non-sterile low protein, powder-free latex gloves; local anesthetic spray or cream, if required; tourniquet; cling bandage; cotton wool balls; chloraprep; venesection pack with integral needle and a bag with no anticoagulant; intravenous fluid giving set, canola and replacement fluid, if required; and apron.

1. Only a patient with a valid prescription can undergo the treatment. The prescription must specify the amount of blood to be venesected.
2. At the start of the procedure, a phlebotomist or anyone attending the patient must explain the process to keep them informed, and to obtain verbal consent.
3. Make a patient feel comfortable by letting them lie on the bed or couch. This is also a preventive measure in case a patient’s blood pressure drops during venesection.
4. Establish a baseline blood pressure by taking the patient’s blood pressure pre-procedure and recording it on a TPR sheet.
5. Follow the blood-drawing procedure in finding a venipuncture site. Ensure that arterial flow is not compromised, when you apply the tourniquet.
6. For patients that have undergone regular venesection, application of local anesthetic cream or spray may be prescribed. Apply when needed.
7. When prescribed, replacement fluid should be started slowly before the beginning of venesection. A cannula must be placed in the opposite arm.
8. When blood flow is established, make sure it isn’t too slow or too quick. Adjust the tourniquet, as needed. You can also ask the patient to open and close their first.
9. Once the specified amount of venesected blood is collected, release the tourniquet and remove the needle. The replacement fluid should be removed as well. Cotton wool ball should be pressed firmly on the venipuncture site to stop the bleeding, and then bandaged firmly.
10. Make sure the patient rests to recover after the procedure has been completed. Most people recover after 20 minutes, while others may need more time until they feel they are able to leave.
11. Check the patient’s blood pressure to determine if there are any problems or abnormalities.