Venesection
Therapeutic venesection is a supervised removal of blood used to treat iron overload and some forms of polycythaemia. We provide venesection at our Sunbury and Williamstown haematology clinics when it is clinically indicated.
What it is
Unlike donating blood at a community session, therapeutic venesection is prescribed for a medical reason. The two common indications we see are iron overload (including hereditary haemochromatosis) and polycythaemia — a high red-cell mass, which may be due to polycythaemia vera or to secondary causes. Removing a unit of blood lowers ferritin over a course of treatments, or lowers haematocrit to a target your haematologist sets. It is not a wellness procedure and it is not appropriate for every high ferritin or high haemoglobin. Hydration, medications, and your heart and vein health all affect whether it is suitable. Decisions should be made with your GP and specialist, not from this page alone.
How we help
A haematologist reviews why venesection is being considered, confirms it is the right tool, and sets volume, frequency, and blood-test targets. We check FBC and iron studies as needed, watch for dizziness or anaemia from over-treatment, and adjust the plan. People with polycythaemia vera may also need medication and aspirin; venesection is one part of care, not the whole. Those with haemochromatosis often move from an induction phase to maintenance. If you are eligible for Red Cross therapeutic venesection we can discuss that pathway; many patients prefer treatment on-site at Sunbury or Williamstown with the same team who manage their haematology.
For patients
- Eat and drink as advised before the appointment, and tell staff if you have fainted with blood tests in the past.
- Wear clothing that allows easy access to the arm. The procedure is similar to a blood donation and usually takes a short clinic visit.
- You will be observed afterwards. Arrange transport if you have felt light-headed after previous venesections.
- A GP referral and haematologist plan are required; we do not offer walk-in venesection.
- Report unusual bruising, prolonged dizziness, or symptoms of anaemia between visits.
For GPs
- We accept referrals for therapeutic venesection in confirmed iron overload and in polycythaemia after secondary causes have been considered.
- Please send recent FBC, iron studies, the working diagnosis, target haematocrit or ferritin if already set, and cardiovascular history.
- If JAK2 status or HFE genotype is available, include it to avoid duplicate testing.
- Call for patients with haematocrit at a level of clinical concern, suspected hyperviscosity, or previous venesection complications.
When to refer
- Hereditary haemochromatosis or other iron overload requiring a venesection programme
- Polycythaemia vera or other polycythaemia where venesection is part of management
- Patients already venesected elsewhere who need ongoing specialist-supervised treatment in the west
- Uncertainty whether venesection or another approach is indicated
Clinics and referrals
Consultations are at Sunbury Clinic, Vineyard Medical Centre, 2-6 Sussex Court, Sunbury VIC 3429, and Williamstown Clinic, Williamstown Specialist Centre, 87 Ferguson Street, Williamstown VIC 3016. A GP referral is required.
Related information
This page is general information about haematology conditions and services. It is not a diagnosis, treatment recommendation, or a substitute for medical advice. Please talk to your GP if you have symptoms or abnormal blood results.