How to Treat Iron Overload and Hemochromatosis
Understand phlebotomy treatment., Know that after the extra iron has been removed, your doctor will set up a long-term maintenance program to make sure you keep a normal amount of iron in your body., Be aware that regular phlebotomy treatment keeps...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Understand phlebotomy treatment.
The treatment consists of two phases: an iron reduction phase and a long-term maintenance phase.
Iron Reduction Phase:
A phlebotomist or health care professional will remove close to one pint of whole blood.
This is usually done once or twice a week.
The treatment lasts until the extra iron in your body has been removed.
This can take three months to one year
- time varies from person to person.
During this phase your doctor will also check your hemoglobin (a protein that is a found in red blood cells) and serum ferritin levels. -
Step 2: Know that after the extra iron has been removed
How often one needs phlebotomy is based on the severity of the symptoms. , Treatments differ for men and women and the elderly.
Men most often need to have 3–4 US pints (1,000–2,000 ml) of blood taken out about once every 3 months.
Women may require 1–2 US pints (470–950 ml) of blood be taken out once every 6 months.
Older people may not need to have any more treatments, but they should still have their serum ferritin levels checked at least once a year. -
Step 3: your doctor will set up a long-term maintenance program to make sure you keep a normal amount of iron in your body.
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Step 4: Be aware that regular phlebotomy treatment keeps the amount of iron in your body at a normal level.
Detailed Guide
The treatment consists of two phases: an iron reduction phase and a long-term maintenance phase.
Iron Reduction Phase:
A phlebotomist or health care professional will remove close to one pint of whole blood.
This is usually done once or twice a week.
The treatment lasts until the extra iron in your body has been removed.
This can take three months to one year
- time varies from person to person.
During this phase your doctor will also check your hemoglobin (a protein that is a found in red blood cells) and serum ferritin levels.
How often one needs phlebotomy is based on the severity of the symptoms. , Treatments differ for men and women and the elderly.
Men most often need to have 3–4 US pints (1,000–2,000 ml) of blood taken out about once every 3 months.
Women may require 1–2 US pints (470–950 ml) of blood be taken out once every 6 months.
Older people may not need to have any more treatments, but they should still have their serum ferritin levels checked at least once a year.
About the Author
Charlotte Brown
With a background in writing and publishing, Charlotte Brown brings 3 years of hands-on experience to every article. Charlotte believes in making complex topics accessible to everyone.
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