What is the purpose of therapeutic phlebotomy?

The purpose of therapeutic phlebotomy is directly related to managing certain medical conditions. This procedure involves the intentional removal of blood from a patient to treat specific disorders. Conditions that may benefit from therapeutic phlebotomy include polycythemia vera, hemochromatosis, and certain cases of venous thromboembolism. By reducing the volume of blood or specific components within it, therapeutic phlebotomy can help alleviate symptoms, reduce the risk of complications, and restore balance in the body.

In contrast, donating blood to others is entirely focused on altruism and supporting the blood supply but doesn't have a direct therapeutic goal for the donor. Analyzing blood for disease is part of diagnostic procedures but does not involve the therapeutic aspect of treatment. Furthermore, increasing the blood supply is related to general blood donation and not therapeutic phlebotomy, which is concerned with treating the patient rather than expanding the supply for others.