Sign in →

Test Code LAB8008 Therapeutic Phlebotomy

Important Note

The patient orders, which are only valid for 12 months, must include the request by the patient's physician and specify the amount of blood to be drawn, the frequency of bleeding, a hemoglobin and hematocrit (H&H) level at which the patient should be bled, patient identification, diagnosis, patient monitoring data and adverse reactions (with medications that may have been administered).

Intended Use

The term "Therapeutic Phlebotomy" is used when removal of a large volume of blood is done for medical indications rather than donation. Common indications are hemochromatosis, porphyrias and polycythemia. The procedure involves donation of a unit (about 500 cc) of blood on a regular basis. The blood draw stimulates the body to make new red blood cells, which require iron. Therefore, the process depletes the iron stores in the body as new red blood cells are made. 

Methodology

Venipuncture

Performing Laboratory

RCH-SPH-STH-LDH-CUH

Specimen Requirements

A hemoglobin/hematocrit and/or ferritin level is drawn and performed prior to initiation of the actual procedure. If the patient's testing levels meets or exceeds the minimum levels outlined in the initial order, the caregiver will proceed with the phlebotomy.

 

Note: 

A pathologist will review initial orders on patients with hemoglobin of less than 11.0 mg/dl or hematocrit of less than 33%.

Specimen Stability

Hemoglobin/Hematocrit: 

Ambient: 2 hours

Refrigerated: 24 hours

 

Ferritin: 

Refrigerated (preferred): 48 hours

Ambient: 8 hours

Frozen (< -20C): > 48 hours, only thaw once

 

The hemoglobin/hematocrit and/or Ferritin result must be within the previous 36 hours of procedure.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

99195