82 y/o with PV on Hydrea, having problem with getting good flow of blood on phlebotomy.

[singsingsing02]

Could only get 1/2 pint of blood removed on phlebotomy. Could be small vessels? Does anyone have this similar problem. Hematocrit was 43.3 but my doctor would like to have the cut-off at 45.

The nurse is excellent so it is not her technique. I was hydrated but did have some ingestion of Coca Cola that week which has caffeine, so that tends to make the vessels smaller.

Maybe I should exercise before the phlebotomy.

Otherwise, am doing well, feeling well. Doing well with Hydrea. Will discuss further with my hematologist on my visit this month.

Any suggestions? Appreciate your input.

[Kari1961]

Hi, yes I experienced this many times. Arm exercises before used to help a lot.

They also used to call the vascular scan team in to do the phlebotomy - that way they could find deeper/plumper veins, and I was also cannulated and given an IV Saline solution at the same time.

All would be worth discussing at your next appointment.

[singsingsing02 in reply to Kari1961]

Thank you for your informative reply.

[singsingsing02 in reply to singsingsing02]

Could you explain more of the vascular scan procedure. Was cannulation done at the same time. Is that to reach the deep vessel? Please explain. Was this outpatient or inpatient? Did you have this often? Do they tell you why you do not get enough flow to your vessels to undergo successful routine phlebotomy?

Appreciate you help.

[singsingsing02 in reply to singsingsing02]

What is your target hematocrit to prompt a phlebotomy?

[hunter5582]

The only time I have had any trouble with blood draws is when I was not well enough hydrated in conjunction with HCT elevation. Limited caffeine intake never had any impact. HCT at 43.3 should not pose a problem with the draw. You are just a little over the PV HCT target for a female of 43% (some use 42%). Hopefully this is just a one-time issue. Perhaps it will go better next time.

All the best

[singsingsing02 in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you so much.

[katiewalsh]

Hi. I don’t have PV but encourage you to look for old posts on this subject. I know there have been others with this problem who received good suggestions. I “think” that one suggestion was to apply heat to the area prior to the procedure but you’d need to check with your medical folks first. Good luck. Katie.

[singsingsing02 in reply to katiewalsh]

Thank you so much...