Therapeutic Phlebotomy

We Are Blood offers in house therapeutic phlebotomy for patients who need blood drawn to treat an underlying medical condition.  A current physician prescription documented on our order form is required for therapeutic phlebotomy.  Orders are good for one year.  There are 3 programs associated with therapeutic phlebotomy:

Hereditary Hemochromatosis Crossover (HHCX)

This program is designated for patients who have a diagnosis of Hereditary Hemochromatosis and DO NOT have any other medical conditions that would require therapeutic phlebotomy. Patients who meet all regular donor eligibility criteria qualify to have their blood crossed over for use in our community.  If a patient does not meet all donor eligibility requirements at the time of their donation, they may still be drawn in accordance with MD orders and their blood discarded. (HHCX Enrollment Order Form link)

Testosterone Replacement Therapy Crossover (TTCX)

This program is designated for patients who are on Testosterone Replacement Therapy and DO NOT have any other medical conditions that would require therapeutic phlebotomy. Patients who meet all regular donor eligibility criteria qualify to have their Red Blood Cells (RBCs) crossed over for use in the community.  The FDA has specified that plasma products obtained from patients with polycythemia secondary to Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) should not be used for patient use.  For this reason, it is important that TRT donors requiring therapeutic phlebotomy be enrolled in this program to appropriately manage their blood products.  If a patient does not meet all donor eligibility requirements at the time of their donation, they may still be drawn in accordance with MD orders and their blood will be discarded (additional appointment may be required).  (TTCX Enrollment Order form link)

Therapeutic Phlebotomy

All other medical conditions that require therapeutic phlebotomy as a treatment, such as Polycythemia Vera, or known infectious disease, underlying health conditions, or risk factors that would make the blood unsuitable for community use require that the patient’s blood be discarded.  Routine donor testing will not be performed on therapeutic draws for discard. (Therapeutic Phlebotomy Order form link)

Clinical Services Contact information:

4300 N Lamar Blvd, Austin TX 78756

Appointment only Tues-Th 8:30-3:30 * must be scheduled through Clinical Services once orders are received.

Email: WrBClinicalServices@weareblood.org
Phone: 512-206-1265
Fax: 512-206-1365