The Immunomodulatory Effects of Phlebotomy

Although phlebotomy is routinely performed in blood donors, and seemingly does not have significant health risks, it is highly relevant to know what the effect of phlebotomy is on immunity. Alterations in immunity due to phlebotomy could have beneficial effects, like the suppression of the low grade inflammatory process that contributes to atherosclerosis, but in theory could also contribute to a suppressed innate immune response that could increase the risk of infection. This is not only relevant for blood donors, but also for patients suffering from blood loss and for daily clinical practice in which blood is routinely drawn of patients for laboratory determinations.