Fasd-or-Venesection-or-Phlebotomy-or-Blood-letting

Phlebotomy Service Specification and Standard

The "Phlebotomy Service Specification and Standard" was developed in 2021 by the Secretariat of the Strategic Council for Developing Health Guidelines, in collaboration with Tehran University of Medical Sciences, the Scientific Association of Traditional Persian Medicine, the Board of Examiners for the Traditional Medicine Specialty, and the Persian Medicine and Complementary Medicine Office of the Ministry of Health.

Main Content of the Document:

1. Definition of Phlebotomy:
Phlebotomy is a therapeutic method in Persian Medicine involving an incision on a vein or artery to withdraw blood, aiding in the treatment or prevention of specific diseases. Its primary distinction from cupping (Hijama) and leech therapy lies in the depth of blood withdrawal and the precise control over the quantity of blood removed.

2. Conditions and Implementation Protocol:

• Before Phlebotomy: Patient assessment (pulse, blood pressure, coagulation tests), avoidance of heavy meals, and evaluation of contraindications.

• During Phlebotomy: Disinfection of the site, monitoring the patient's pulse, and adjusting the volume of blood withdrawn based on the patient's condition.

• After Phlebotomy: Dressing the site with honey or turmeric, avoiding strenuous activity, and consuming nourishing foods such as honey water and tender meat.

3. Indications:

• Diseases caused by hyperemia or blood disorders (blood thickening/plethora, joint pain, skin eruptions).

• Prevention of sanguineous (demavi) diseases in spring.

• Certain cardiac, metabolic, and gynecological conditions (such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).

4. Contraindications:

• Coagulation disorders, pregnancy, individuals under 14 years and over 60 years (except in essential circumstances).

• Patients with severe weakness, cold-temperament (cold Mizaj) disorders, or following a hot bath or sexual intercourse.

5. Required Equipment and Environment:

• Requires a sterile room with controlled temperature (23-25°C), adequate lighting, and single-use disposable items (scalpel blade, sterile gauze, blood collection container).

• The service may only be provided by specialized physicians in Traditional Medicine (holding a Ph.D.).

6. Patient Education:

• Avoiding sleep for up to 6 hours after phlebotomy.

• Refraining from consuming cold and salty foods for up to 24 hours.

• Abstaining from strenuous activity.

• The complete file of the "Blood Phlebotomy Standard" is available for download at the bottom of this page (below the dashed line).