Venesection (Phlebotomy)
Venesection (Blood Removal) Treatment Brisbane, QLD
At Narangba Station Medical Centre, we are committed to providing comprehensive care for blood-related disorders through our specialised venesection services. A venesection, also known as phlebotomy, is a critical blood removal treatment for conditions like hemochromatosis (removal of excess body iron) and polycythemia (reduction of red cell mass), where essential for preventing serious health complications.Â
Within our state of the art treatment room, our skilled medical team ensures that each procedure is performed with precision and care, offering relief and long-term health benefits to all patients. We serve patients across North Brisbane including families in Narangba, North Lakes, Burpengary, Dakabin and more.
If you require venesection treatment as part of your treatment plan or due to prolonged use of iron supplements, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule your procedure by booking online or calling us at (07) 3521 4333 to speak with our team.
What Is A Venesection?
Venesection, also known as phlebotomy, is a medical procedure that involves the removal of a specific amount of blood from the body. It is primarily used to treat conditions where there is an excess of iron or red blood cells in the bloodstream.
For instance, in hemochromatosis, where too much iron is absorbed from the diet, venesection helps to reduce iron levels and prevent organ damage. In polycythemia, where there is an overproduction of red blood cells, venesection also helps to decrease blood viscosity, reducing the risk of blood clots and related complications.
Opening Hours
We're open 7 days a week with late-night availability on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Weekend appointments are also available to all patients.
Referrals Welcome
We understand some GPs or clinics may not be able to provide venesection treatments. As such, we are happy to receive referrals from other doctors, and we can normally accommodate your request for a venesection.
Please note, during this consultation, we will only be responsible for the infusion. We recommend you continue to see your regular GP for ongoing care, including any follow-up and other investigations that have been suggested.
What is a venesection?
Venesection, also known as phlebotomy, is a medical procedure that involves the removal of a specific amount of blood from the body. It is primarily used to treat conditions where there is an excess of iron or red blood cells in the bloodstream.
For instance, while iron infusions assist those with iron deficiency, in hemochromatosis, where too much iron is absorbed from the diet, venesection helps to reduce iron levels and prevent organ damage. In polycythemia, where there is an overproduction of red blood cells, venesection also helps to decrease blood viscosity, reducing the risk of blood clots and related complications.
How do venesections work?
Similar to when giving blood, a Venesection procedure works by drawing approximately 450 to 500 millilitres (ml) of blood through a cannula inserted into a vein, typically in the arm. This process helps to reduce the overall blood volume and lower levels of iron or red blood cells, depending on your condition.Â
During the procedure, you will typically be sat with your arm rested at a 90-degree angle or you will be lying comfortably back in the chair while your treating medical professional carefully performs the venesection. If necessary, your doctor may also administer fluids through an additional cannula to help maintain blood pressure and hydration.
Venesection side effects
While venesection is a well-documented and commonly performed procedure, just like all medical treatments, some patients may experience common side effects. Due to blood being removed from your body, some patients may feel slightly dizzy.
The most common side effects associated with venesection treatment include:
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- FatigueÂ
In rare cases, there may also be discomfort or bruising at the needle insertion site.
To minimise any side effects, our healthcare team will close monitor you before, during, and after the procedure. Most patients can resume normal activities shortly after, although staying hydrated, resting and avoiding strenuous exercise is recommended.
Cost & Procedure Time
At Narangba Station Medical Centre, the cost of therapeutic venesection treatment is $155 per session. This fee includes a consumable and treatment room component which does not attract a Medicare Rebate. Additional consultation fees with your doctor may apply.
This cost includes the procedure itself and post-procedure monitoring. The entire procedure typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, including preparation and post-procedure observation. However, the actual blood removal generally takes about 15 minutes in total.Â
We can perform venesection procedures for the management of haemochromatosis, polycythemia vera, secondary polycythemia related to testosterone replacement therapy or porphyria cutanea tarda for both patients of Narangba Station Medical Centre and other referring medical practices.Â
How to Prepare?
Before your venesection, it's essential to provide your GP with a complete medical history and follow any instructions provided by your doctor. Generally, it's also advisable to stay well-hydrated and eat a light meal before the procedure to minimise the risk of dizziness.Â
On the day of your appointment, please wear loose, comfortable clothing to allow easy access to your arm, and inform your doctor if you have a history of fainting during blood draws or any other medical concerns. Our team will provide all necessary pre-procedure instructions during your consultation to ensure you’re fully prepared.
Why Choose NSMC?
Conveniently located next to Narangba Train Station, NSMC combines accessibility, affordability, and high-quality medical services to meet the diverse healthcare needs of north Brisbane residents. We thrive on patient-centric care with holistic solutions to support a variety of health concerns including venesections and blood removal treatment. We're open 7 days a week with after-hours availability and our patients also benefit from the convenience of on-site blood tests, free parking, and proximity to a local pharmacy.Â
Here's some reasons why patients choose Narangba Station Medical Centre for venesections:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have questions about venesections and blood removal treatments? No problem! Here are the most commonly asked questions our GPs receive about the safe administration of venesections in Brisbane.
In the immediate short-term, a venesection may make you feel slightly worse due to the temporary reduction in blood volume. However, most patients feel better after resting and hydrating. If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and care.
Venesections do not "thin" the blood in the way anticoagulant medications do, however, they do reduce the overall volume of blood and the number of red blood cells in the bloodstream. This is particularly beneficial in conditions like polycythemia, where the blood becomes too thick due to an excess of red blood cells. By lowering the red blood cell count, venesection reduces blood viscosity, making it easier for the heart to pump blood and decreasing the risk of clots.
While uncommon, it is possible to experience a slightly elevated heart rate following a venesection due to the temporary reduction in blood volume and change in your body. This increase in heart rate is typically mild and subsides as your body stabilises.Â
Staying well-hydrated and resting after the procedure can help manage this symptom. If your heart rate remains elevated or if you experience any other concerning symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider.
Yes, feeling tired or fatigued after a venesection is a common side effect for some patients. As your body now has a reduced blood volume, it’s natural response is to start resting. However, this fatigue is usually temporary, and most patients find that rest, along with adequate fluid intake, helps alleviate the tiredness. It’s recommended to avoid strenuous activities immediately after the procedure and to allow yourself time to recover.
The frequency of venesection treatments varies from patient to patient; depending on the specific condition and its severity. For some patients, venesections may be required weekly initially, then less frequently as blood levels stabilise. Once under control, treatments may be spaced out to every 6-12 weeks, depending on your doctor’s recommendations.
The procedure itself is not typically painful, though you may feel a slight pinch when the needle is inserted. Similarly to a blood test or giving blood, any discomfort is usually brief and primarily at the start of the procedure. The sensation of blood being drawn is generally not painful, and our healthcare team takes every step to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
After the procedure, it’s important to rest and drink plenty of fluids to help your body recover. It is also generally advised to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for the rest of the day and to monitor the site of the needle insertion for any signs of infection or excessive bleeding.Â
If you do spot anything unusual or experience prolonged discomfort, please contact us on (07) 3521 4333 as soon as possible.
Contact & Bookings
To make an appointment, please call reception or use our online booking system via the button below. You can also visit our contact page to see further details about our location and directions.
Bookings are available from as early as 7AM on weekdays and Saturday. We are also open Sunday afternoon and late evening on Tuesday and Thursday until 8:30PM.Â
Can't find us? - We are situated across the road from Narangba Train Station next to the Narangba Village shopping complex. Look for signs for Narangba Health Centre and IGA.
Serving patients in Narangba, Burpengary, Dakabin, Deception Bay, Morayfield, North Lakes and North Brisbane surrounds
