Patient Services

Bloodworks Northwest Program for Therapeutic Phlebotomy Patients

Bloodworks Northwest Is updating its protocol and medical policies for people with conditions treated by blood collection — known as “therapeutic phlebotomy” (TP). We are going to include qualified potential donors with hereditary hemochromatosis in the blood supply using the requirements for this process for adding these voluntary blood donors to the community blood supply where it is permitted by FDA regulations (21 CFR 630) and professional standards. All hereditary hemochromatosis patients capable of being drawn in our health care setting will be accepted for service. These blood withdrawals need to be prescribed by their healthcare provider and will be reviewed by the Bloodworks medical director. There will be no charge for the service.

BloodworksNW’s is not able to bill for other categories of therapeutic phlebotomy and must discontinue service for these patients. The excluded categories are polycythemia vera, secondary polycythemia, and porphyria cutanea tarda. Another source for therapeutic phlebotomy will need to be found by the prescribing physician for these indications.

Federal regulations and accreditation requirements of the College of American Pathologists require that all TP treatments be supported by a current order from an individual’s health care provider. In providing TP, BloodworksNW must also undertake a diagnostic review for each patient to determine whether the treatment meets nationally accepted criteria treatment for Hereditary Hemochromatosis. We welcome the donors qualified under the updated FDA Regulations (21 CFR 610) as contributors to the blood supply.

All people needing blood to be drawn as treatment for a diagnosed hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) must have a valid order from their licensed health care provider.

People with TP orders that have been reviewed and approved by BloodworksNW medical staff can make appointment during regular center hours Monday through Friday at any one of BloodworksNW’s 11 donor centers across Western Washington (list attached).

To prescribing physicians and patients needing or receiving TP treatment for HH at BloodworksNW centers: we look forward to continuing to serve your needs for therapeutic phlebotomy.

Kirsten Alcorn, M.D.
Medical Director, Therapeutic Phlebotomy Program

Donor Centers Providing Therapeutic Phlebotomy Treatment

Select the most convenient donation center for a map and driving directions. You can make an appointment by calling 1-800-398-7888. When calling, please ask for the Therapeutic Department.