Final answer:
Therapeutic phlebotomy is used to treat disorders such as hemochromatosis, polycythemia vera, and porphyria cutanea tarda by removing a specific amount of blood.
Step-by-step explanation:
Therapeutic phlebotomy is a procedure in which blood is drawn from a patient for medical reasons. It is used to treat certain blood disorders or conditions by removing a specific amount of blood. The disorders for which therapeutic phlebotomy is commonly used include:
- Hemochromatosis: This is a disorder where the body absorbs too much iron from the diet, leading to an excess buildup of iron in the body. Therapeutic phlebotomy helps reduce iron levels and prevent complications.
- Polycythemia vera: This is a disorder characterized by an abnormal increase in the number of red blood cells. Therapeutic phlebotomy is used to reduce the volume and viscosity of the blood.
- Porphyria cutanea tarda: This is a rare genetic disorder that affects the production of heme, a component of hemoglobin. Therapeutic phlebotomy helps reduce iron levels and improve symptoms.