If your provider has ordered therapeutic phlebotomy, this guide explains how to prepare and what to expect during a visit at your location. Your provider directs the treatment, and our team follows the collection requirements in your order.
Why your provider may order therapeutic phlebotomy
Therapeutic phlebotomy removes a prescribed amount of blood as part of treatment. Your provider determines whether you need it, how much blood should be removed, how often it should be performed, and any requirements that must be met before proceeding.
Before your appointment
A provider order and signed consent are required. Your order must include the prescribed collection volume and any treatment parameters or required laboratory results. We review these requirements before proceeding.
Upload your order during booking or have your provider fax it to (971) 200-8669. For email submission instructions, contact orders@stumptownlabservices.com. If you plan to use a paper order at the visit, call first.
What an at-home session involves
- 1We confirm your identity, review your order and consent, and check that the visit requirements are met.
- 2You settle into a suitable position for collection, with space to recline if needed.
- 3We carry out the collection according to your provider’s order and applicable safety requirements.
- 4Tell your phlebotomist immediately if you feel dizzy, nauseated or otherwise unwell. Collection may need to be paused or stopped.
- 5After collection, you receive instructions for rest, care of the collection site and when to seek medical advice.
How to prepare and recover
Follow your provider’s instructions about food, fluids and medication. Let us know in advance about fluid restrictions, previous fainting or reactions during blood collection, and any assistance you may need.
Have any required laboratory results available before the visit. If you are unsure whether fasting or medication timing applies, ask your provider before the appointment.
Allow time to rest afterward and follow the aftercare instructions you receive. Seek medical advice for bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure, persistent dizziness, or worsening pain or swelling.
What we do and do not do
Your provider directs your treatment plan. Stumptown reviews whether the order and visit requirements are met and may defer or stop a collection when those requirements are not satisfied or a safety concern arises. We do not independently change your prescribed treatment or interpret laboratory results for you.
Routine blood work ordered in addition to therapeutic phlebotomy is charged separately and is usually scheduled on a different day. Contact us to arrange it.
If your provider requires laboratory results before treatment, arrange that testing in advance and confirm that the results will be available for review.
Common questions
- How is therapeutic phlebotomy different from donating blood?
- The removal is performed for your treatment on a provider's order, not for donation, and the blood is not collected for transfusion use.
- How long does a session take?
- Plan for approximately 30 minutes for the appointment. The time needed may vary with your prescribed collection and individual needs.
- Do I need an order?
- Yes. A provider order and signed consent are required. The order must specify the collection volume and any requirements for proceeding.
- Can it be done at home in Portland?
- At-home visits are available within our service area, subject to review of your provider’s order, the visit requirements and a suitable collection space.
This guide provides general information about arranging a therapeutic phlebotomy visit. Your provider determines your treatment plan and gives individualized medical advice.