[ Post a Response | Hemochromatosis ]
Posted by Darren K Also, ask the technicians if it is possible to use a needle that is smaller than the standard needle that is attached to a blood collection bag. That needle is an 18 gauge (I think)...I use a 20 gauge needle and it works fine for me, I just clench and unclench my fist to ensure that blood keeps flowing. Some people find that the 20 gauge clots up on them, but I encourage you to try it. If you need a lot of phlebotomies in order to be de-ironed, the larger 18 gauge needle will end up scarring your arms. Avoid that needle size if possible. Having said all that, I used a standard (18 gauge) needle for the first 20 or so phlebotomies. My arms are fine, but they were starting to get tough. The scar tissue was starting to form and I got the technician to use a different set-up so that I could use the smaller needle. Note, the larger the gauge number, the smaller the needle...and vise sersa. In canada, if that is where you are, they usually draw a blood sample and run a CBC test before the phlebotomy to check your hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. If 500 ml makes you feel unwell, then the next phlebotomy you might try reducing the amount taken by a small amount 50-75 milliliters. Eat and drink before and after the treatment and don't drive immediately after a phlebotomy. Take care Darren K
on 10/2/2005, 4:13 pm, in reply to "Re: Phlebotomy"
198.165.107.148
Martina,
Message Thread:
« Back to thread