Definition

1. Noun:
   • The surgical opening or puncturing of a vein, typically to withdraw blood. This is a medical procedure. The primary purpose is often for blood collection (diagnostic testing, blood donation) or, historically, for therapeutic bloodletting.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The nurse performed a phlebotomy to collect blood samples for the laboratory tests.
  • In the past, phlebotomy was a common treatment for a wide range of ailments.
  • Proper training is essential for anyone who conducts a phlebotomy.

Advanced Usage

• Therapeutic Phlebotomy: A modern medical procedure where blood is regularly removed to reduce excess iron in conditions like hemochromatosis or to manage certain blood disorders like polycythemia vera.
  • The patient with hemochromatosis undergoes therapeutic phlebotomy every two weeks.

Variants and Related Words

• Phlebotomist (n): A healthcare professional trained to draw blood from patients for tests, transfusions, donation, or research.
  • The phlebotomist was very skilled and the procedure was painless.
• Phlebotomize (v): To perform a phlebotomy on someone.
  • (Less common) The doctor decided to phlebotomize the patient to relieve the symptoms.

Synonyms

• Venipuncture: This is the most direct synonym, specifically referring to the puncture of a vein, usually for drawing blood or administering an intravenous therapy.
• Bloodletting: A broader historical term for the withdrawal of blood for therapeutic reasons, which often involved phlebotomy.

Related Phrases / Collocations

• To perform a phlebotomy: To carry out the procedure.
• Phlebotomy tube: The vacuum-sealed tube used to collect blood during the procedure.
• Phlebotomy services: Refers to the department or function within a healthcare facility responsible for blood collection.

Noun

1. surgical incision into a vein; used to treat hemochromatosis