Phlebotomy (Blood Draw)

Premier’s On-site Phlebotomy Patient Service Centers allow our patients a convenient way to get the tests that they need as quickly as possible. It also means your results are sent directly to your physician without any delays.

No appointment is necessary and walk-ins are welcome;  however, tests must be ordered by your Premier Medical Group provider.

To better serve our patients,  in-house phlebotomy services at the following locations:

 

Poughkeepsie
Premier Medical Group Phlebotomy Patient Service Center

1 Webster Avenue, Suite 301, Poughkeepsie

Monday – Friday:
7:00 am – 3:00 pm

(Webster Ave. Lab is closed 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm each day for lunch)

 

Poughkeepsie
Premier Medical Group Phlebotomy Patient Service Center

243 North Road, Suite 101A, Poughkeepsie

Monday – Friday:

8:00 am – 4:00 pm

(North Road Lab is closed 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm each day for lunch)

 

Poughkeepsie
Premier Medical Group Phlebotomy Patient Service Center

50 Eastdale Avenue North, Poughkeepsie

By appointment only

Monday – Friday:

8:30 am – 3:45 pm

(Eastdale Ave. Lab is closed 12:15 pm – 12:45 pm each day for lunch)

 

Fishkill
Premier Medical Group Phlebotomy Patient Service Center

400 Westage Business Center Drive, Suite 210A

Monday – Friday:
8:00 am – 4:00 pm

(Fishkill Lab is closed 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm each day for lunch)

 

New Windsor
Premier Medical Group Phlebotomy Patient Service Center

955 Little Britain Road, New Windsor

Monday – Friday:
8:00 am – 4:00 pm

(Little Britain Road Lab is closed 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm each day for lunch)

 

Please do not contact the patient lab directly for test results.

Please allow 2 weeks from when your blood work is drawn, for results to be available.

If you do not receive some type of communication from the ordering provider regarding your results please contact their office.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is phlebotomy?

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Getting the lab tests that you need to address certain health concerns may involve phlebotomy, which is when a phlebotomist uses a needle to take blood from a vein. The blood draw will most likely come from a vein in your arm. Phlebotomy, referred to sometimes as venipuncture, is an important testing method. It helps healthcare providers diagnose a range of medical conditions.

Although blood is often sent to a laboratory for testing, there are other reasons why phlebotomy is utilized. A doctor may withdraw blood to treat certain medical conditions. Getting therapeutic phlebotomy is an option for patients with specific conditions that require specialized care.

Who gets phlebotomy treatment?

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Your physician may recommend a blood draw for any number of reasons and some reasons are standard procedure. Phlebotomy is used for:

  • Diagnostic testing
  • Blood donation
  • Therapeutic purposes, such as treating patients with excess iron or red blood cells

 

Diagnostic Testing

  • Routine blood tests: Phlebotomy helps collect blood samples for laboratory tests. A doctor may use the blood draw to assess your overall health, diagnose conditions, or monitor the effectiveness of certain treatments.
  • Specific conditions: Doctors commonly utilize blood tests to monitor for infections and assess organ function, including the liver and kidneys. A blood draw can also screen for genetic conditions.

 

Blood Donation

  • Donation: A phlebotomist draws blood from healthy individuals who are willing and able to donate blood. The blood may be used in patient transfusions or for separate essential medical purposes.
  • Screening: Even if you wish to donate blood, you will need to be screened to guarantee that you are a safe and eligible donor. A phlebotomist can be part of the donor screening process.

 

Therapeutic Purposes

Therapeutic phlebotomy treats specific medical conditions, including:

  • Hemochromatosis (excess iron buildup)
  • Polycythemia Vera (overproduction of red blood cells)
  • Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (rare blood disorder)
  • Sickle Cell Disease (genetic red blood cell disorder)
  • NAFLD with Hyperferritinemia (characterized by high iron levels)

 

If you feel noticeably different in terms of your health, it is important to speak directly and promptly with a healthcare provider. Sharing insight about your medical history can offer professionals perspective on symptoms as they arise. Talking to a doctor also gives the healthcare provider a chance to recommend follow-up tests, if needed.

What should you expect from phlebotomy?

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You will only need to prepare for a blood test if your doctor gives you specific instructions. Some blood tests require you to fast for 8-12 hours in advance. Speak to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about what to expect from the preparation process.

Once the time comes for you to get your blood drawn, you will:

  • Sit in a chair or lie down
  • Make a fist with your hand
  • Wait as a phlebotomist or lab technician ties a band around your arm. The band, or tourniquet, will help them to find a prominent vein.

 

Medical tests that require you to have your blood drawn may require a phlebotomist to fill one or more test tubes. A blood draw generally only takes 2-3 minutes.

Once the process is done, the phlebotomist will remove the needle, unwrap the tourniquet, and bandage the injection site. You may be asked to gently apply pressure on the gauze spot until a separate bandage is applied. Depending on the blood draw and your medical history, the doctor may advise that you wear the bandage until you get home or for a longer period of time.

What are the risks and side effects of phlebotomy?

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You may feel uncomfortable during a blood draw, but there are minimal risks associated with it. If the sight of blood or needles bothers you, one common side-effect is that you will feel sick. A physical response may include:

  • Feeling dizzy
  • Breaking out in a sweat
  • Drop in heart rate or blood pressure
  • Fainting

 

While these are common reactions, they are not experienced by everyone. If you are worried about these reactions, speak with the individual conducting the blood draw and let them know about your concerns. They can properly accommodate you and ensure everyone’s safety.

There are relaxation techniques that you can try as you prepare for phlebotomy. Deep breathing or looking at something else in order to distract yourself are effective techniques. Make sure to let a professional know if you feel dizzy afterwards. They may instruct you to adjust so that you can lie down or sit down with your head between your knees.

Depending on your condition and body, you may notice redness or bruising at the needle site on the day following the blood test. The area might also be sore, but the side-effects should not last for long. Immediately following phlebotomy, your doctor may recommend that you:

  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Avoid exercise for the next few hours

What is therapeutic phlebotomy?

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Therapeutic phlebotomy treatment is when some of your blood is removed to reduce certain counts. You may need help reducing:

  • An abnormally high red blood cell count
  • Serum iron count

 

Many patients see a noticeable improvement in symptoms of the medical conditions that cause these imbalances when they take advantage of therapeutic phlebotomy. The treatment method should only be done upon your doctor’s recommendation. The therapeutic phlebotomy process is similar to donating blood in many instances.

How much blood and the number of times that you will need to undergo a procedure will depend on your doctor’s orders. A doctor will make the determination based on your current blood levels and where your levels should be. One major requirement is:

  • Not drawing more than 10% of your total blood volume or 500 mL (whichever value is the smallest amount) of blood in 24 hours 

 

Your doctor may conduct the procedure every few days until you reach the appropriate levels. Speak with a healthcare provider before exploring your options or taking any next steps. Your doctor will explain to you how often you should undergo therapeutic phlebotomy to maintain a healthy set of blood levels.

Which conditions can benefit from phlebotomy?

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Several conditions can benefit from undergoing therapeutic phlebotomy. Your doctor may recommend therapeutic phlebotomy if you:

  • Overproduce red blood cells/iron due to testosterone replacement therapy
  • Have higher red blood cell/iron counts due to a blood disorder
  • Experience a serious complication from a kidney transplant
  • Are facing complications from the treatment of sickle cell disease, possibly after you received a transfusion

 

If you are unsure of whether your condition may benefit from or require therapeutic phlebotomy, it is advisable to discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider.

How should you handle aftercare for therapeutic phlebotomy?

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Therapeutic phlebotomy will require unique aftercare compared to a typical blood draw. You should leave the pressure band on the needle site for 3-6 hours after the procedure. Avoid doing activities that can strain your arm for at least one day after you undergo therapeutic phlebotomy. That means:

  • Avoid exercising
  • Stay away from heavy lifting

 

Ways that you can prevent feeling lightheaded or dizzy after therapeutic phlebotomy are:

  • Drinking at least 8- to 10-ounce glasses of liquid per day
  • Avoiding alcohol or caffeine (coffee, tea, soda) on the day of a procedure
  • Avoiding strenuous exercise (like jogging) for at least one day after a procedure
  • Not smoking for at least one hour post-procedure
  • Not taking a hot bath on the day of a procedure

 

If you do start to feel lightheaded or dizzy, it may help to lie down flat and elevate your feet and legs slightly with a couple of pillows.

How should you take care of your needle site after therapeutic phlebotomy?

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Some patients who receive therapeutic phlebotomy experience some discomfort, bleeding, swelling, or bruising at the needle site. A doctor can provide you with instructions on how to handle therapeutic phlebotomy side-effects.

 

Managing Discomfort

  • Apply an ice/cool pack for 10-15 minutes
  • Remove the pack for 10-15 minutes (repeat, as needed)

 

Managing Bleeding

  • Lift your arm above your head
  • Apply pressure with your hand for 5 minutes or more
  • Reapply the pressure bandage or cover the site with a new bandage

 

Managing Swelling

  • Lift your arm above your head
  • Apply pressure with your hand for 3-5 minutes
  • Apply an ice/cold pack for 10-15 minutes, then remove it for the same amount of time (repeat, as needed)

 

Managing Bruising

  • Apply an ice/cold pack for 10-15 minutes, then remove it for the same amount of time (repeat, as needed)

 

Bruising may appear and spread around the needle site. Make sure to monitor the bruising and speak with your doctor if it takes longer than 7-10 days to fade.

When should you call a professional after phlebotomy treatment?

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Reach out to your doctor or a healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. Other reasons to contact a professional after phlebotomy treatment are:

  • Persistent discomfort, bleeding, or swelling
  • Bleeding that you cannot stop
  • A fever of 101° F (38.3° C) or higher
  • Any redness, warmth, or pain at the needle site
  • Other unexpected side effects

 

These side-effects can be indicative of a more serious, yet treatable medical issue. That is why it is important to contact your doctor if you notice something that is not helped or explained by their post-procedure guidelines.

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