How do I write a prescription (Rx) for blood donation without actually donating?

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Last updated: December 24, 2025View editorial policy

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Understanding the Question

I need to clarify that your question appears to be asking about writing a prescription for therapeutic phlebotomy (blood removal for medical purposes) rather than blood donation for transfusion to others. These are distinct procedures with different purposes and documentation requirements.

Therapeutic Phlebotomy (Blood Removal for Medical Treatment)

If you need to order therapeutic phlebotomy for a patient with conditions like polycythemia vera, hemochromatosis, or other disorders requiring blood removal, you should write a standard medical order, not a "prescription for blood donation."

How to Write the Order:

  • Order format: Write "Therapeutic Phlebotomy" as the procedure name with specific parameters including volume to be removed (typically 450-500 mL per session), frequency (e.g., weekly until target hematocrit reached), and target laboratory values 1

  • Required documentation: Include the medical indication (diagnosis code), target hemoglobin/hematocrit levels, and monitoring parameters in the patient's medical record 1

  • Labeling requirements: The removed blood must be labeled "UNTESTED BLOOD: FOR AUTOLOGOUS USE ONLY" if there's any possibility of reinfusion, or disposed of as medical waste if not being used 1

  • Disposal protocol: Blood removed for therapeutic purposes that will not be reinfused must be disposed of as hazardous waste, and this must be documented in the patient's chart 1

Important Caveats:

  • Blood from therapeutic phlebotomy cannot routinely enter the general blood supply - it must be disposed of unless specific criteria are met and proper testing is performed 1

  • Hemochromatosis patients may be eligible to have their therapeutically removed blood used for transfusion to others, but this requires separate blood bank evaluation, donor screening, and infectious disease testing - this is not simply "writing a prescription" 2

  • The removed blood stays with the patient during the procedure and cannot be transported to a blood bank refrigerator without specific protocols in place 1

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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