Puncture of a vein to remove blood (see venepuncture; venesection.)
A traditional name for the operation of bloodletting by opening a vein. (See VEINS; VENESECTION.)
(venesection) n. the surgical opening or puncture of a vein in order to remove blood (e.g. in the treatment of *polycythaemia) or to infuse fluids, blood, or drugs in the treatment of many conditions. It may also be required for cardiac *catheterization. A phlebotomist is a clinical support worker or assistant health-care scientist who collects blood from patients for diagnostic laboratory testing.
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