PHYSICIAN-DIRECTED CARE IN NW CALGARY
Therapeutic Phlebotomy in NW Calgary
Therapeutic phlebotomy is a medically directed procedure that removes a prescribed amount of blood to help manage certain conditions involving excess iron or too many red blood cells.
Eligibility and appointment requirements must be confirmed before treatment.
ABOUT THE SERVICE
What Is Therapeutic Phlebotomy?
Therapeutic phlebotomy, sometimes called therapeutic blood removal, is similar to donating blood. A needle is placed in a vein, usually in the arm, and blood is collected through tubing.
The main difference is the purpose. Therapeutic phlebotomy is prescribed to help reach specific clinical targets, while blood donation is intended to collect blood for use by eligible recipients.
The amount of blood removed and the timing of treatment are determined by the ordering healthcare provider. Blood tests such as hemoglobin, hematocrit, ferritin, or transferrin saturation may be used to guide treatment.
WHO MAY BE REFERRED
When Therapeutic Phlebotomy May Be Part of Care
A healthcare provider may recommend therapeutic phlebotomy when removing blood is an appropriate part of a patient’s care plan.
Iron Overload
Hemochromatosis or another form of iron overload, where excess iron can build up in the body.
Increased Red Blood Cell Volume
Polycythemia vera or another condition involving an increased red blood cell volume.
Other Diagnosed Conditions
Another diagnosed condition for which an authorized prescriber has provided treatment and monitoring instructions.
Important
Therapeutic phlebotomy is not a screening test and should not be started based on symptoms alone. A healthcare provider must investigate abnormal blood results and decide whether this treatment is suitable.
Some people with anemia, certain heart or circulation concerns, poor vein access, or other medical considerations may require a different care plan or treatment setting.
Order and Eligibility Review Required
Call 403-460-4502 before your visit.
The clinic can confirm whether your order can be accepted, what recent bloodwork or documents are required, and how to arrange an appointment.
What Your Order May Need to Include
- Reason for treatment
- Amount of blood to remove
- Treatment frequency
- Clinical targets
- When treatment should be held
- When the clinic should contact the prescriber
YOUR APPOINTMENT
What to Expect
The exact process depends on your healthcare provider’s order and your current health information.
1. Order Review
The clinic reviews your treatment order, relevant health information, and any required laboratory results.
2. Pre-Procedure Check
A healthcare professional may confirm medications, allergies, recent symptoms, hydration, vital signs, and any history of fainting during blood collection.
3. Blood Removal
You will sit or recline while blood is removed in the amount directed by your healthcare provider. Your pulse, blood pressure, and how you feel may be monitored.
4. Observation & Aftercare
After the needle is removed, pressure and a bandage are applied. You may be asked to rest and drink fluids before leaving.
BEFORE YOUR VISIT
How to Prepare
Unless your healthcare provider gives you different instructions:
- Eat a regular meal before your appointment. Therapeutic phlebotomy usually does not require fasting, but follow any separate instructions for blood tests scheduled on the same day.
- Drink fluids before your visit and continue to hydrate afterward, unless you have been told to limit fluids for a medical reason.
- Take medications as prescribed. Do not stop or change a medication unless the prescribing clinician tells you to.
- Wear clothing that allows easy access to your arm.
- Consider arranging transportation or support if you have previously felt faint or if your healthcare provider recommends it.
What to Bring
- Your Alberta health card and government-issued identification.
- Your therapeutic phlebotomy order or referral, if it has not already been sent to the clinic.
- A current list of your medications and allergies.
- Any recent laboratory results requested by the clinic or ordering provider.
- The name and contact information of the clinician responsible for your treatment plan.
Possible Side Effects
Some people feel tired, light-headed, nauseated, or faint during or after blood removal. Bruising or tenderness may occur where the needle was placed.
Tell the healthcare professional immediately if you feel unwell during the procedure. The team can stop or adjust the procedure and provide appropriate support.
When to Seek Care
Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms after treatment persist, worsen, or concern you.
Therapeutic phlebotomy appointments are not a substitute for emergency care. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
TREATMENT SCHEDULE
How Often Is Therapeutic Phlebotomy Needed?
There is no single treatment schedule that is appropriate for everyone. Therapeutic phlebotomy may be performed more frequently at first and less frequently after laboratory values reach the target established by the prescribing clinician.
Do not arrange extra treatments or delay a scheduled treatment without speaking with the clinician managing your care. The ordering provider remains responsible for interpreting relevant bloodwork and updating treatment instructions when necessary.
Your schedule may change based on:
- Your diagnosis
- Laboratory results
- Treatment targets
- Symptoms
- How well you tolerate the procedure
NW CALGARY
Therapeutic Phlebotomy at Infiniti Medical Clinic
Infiniti Medical Clinic is located in Symons Valley in NW Calgary and serves patients from Sage Hill, Nolan Hill, Evanston, Kincora, Panorama Hills, and surrounding communities.
Please Call Before Visiting
The clinic team can confirm whether your specific order can be accepted, whether recent bloodwork is required, what fees or coverage may apply, and how to schedule your procedure.
Location: #10–12432 Symons Valley Road NW, Calgary, Alberta T3P 0A3
Phone: 403-460-4502
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a doctor’s order for therapeutic phlebotomy?
Therapeutic phlebotomy requires an order from an authorized healthcare provider. The order should normally include the medical indication, amount of blood to remove, treatment schedule, clinical targets, and instructions about when to hold treatment or contact the prescriber.
How much blood is removed?
The amount is prescribed for the individual. A commonly referenced adult amount is up to approximately 500 mL, but a smaller volume may be ordered based on body size, health status, tolerance, or the treatment plan.
How long does an appointment take?
The blood-removal portion may take approximately 30 minutes. The complete appointment can take longer because of check-in, assessment, preparation, and observation afterward.
Should I eat and drink beforehand?
Patients are generally advised to eat a regular meal and drink fluids before therapeutic phlebotomy. Follow any different instructions from your healthcare provider, particularly if you have a fluid restriction or require fasting bloodwork.
Will I feel tired or dizzy afterward?
Some people feel tired, light-headed, or faint during or after treatment. Tell the healthcare professional immediately if you feel unwell.
How often will I need treatment?
Treatment frequency depends on your diagnosis, laboratory results, clinical targets, and how well you tolerate the procedure.
Is therapeutic phlebotomy the same as donating blood?
No. The procedures may look similar, but their purposes and eligibility rules differ. Therapeutic phlebotomy is prescribed medical treatment.
Is therapeutic phlebotomy covered by Alberta Health Care?
Coverage and fees may depend on the service, treatment setting, order, and individual circumstances. Call Infiniti Medical Clinic before booking to confirm current fees and whether any portion of the service is insured or uninsured.
Can I walk in for therapeutic phlebotomy?
Do not arrive for therapeutic phlebotomy without first confirming availability. The clinic may need to review your order, laboratory results, treatment parameters, and appointment requirements in advance.
Call to Confirm Your Appointment
If your healthcare provider has recommended therapeutic phlebotomy, contact Infiniti Medical Clinic to ask about order requirements, availability, preparation, and fees.
For your privacy, do not send personal medical information through regular email.