Venipuncture: meaning, definitions and examples
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venipuncture
[ ˌvɛnɪˈpʌŋktʃər ]
medical procedure
Venipuncture is the technique of puncturing a vein to draw blood or administer medication. It is commonly performed by healthcare professionals to collect blood samples for testing or to initiate intravenous therapy.
Synonyms
blood draw, phlebotomy
Examples of usage
- The nurse performed a venipuncture to take blood for testing.
- Venipuncture is an essential skill for phlebotomists.
- After the venipuncture, the patient was advised to apply pressure to the site.
- Complications from venipuncture are rare but can occur if not performed correctly.
Etymology
The term 'venipuncture' originates from the Latin words 'vena', meaning 'vein', and 'punctura', meaning 'puncture'. It has been used in medical contexts since at least the early 20th century as medical practices evolved. The practice of venipuncture dates back to ancient times, where bloodletting was a common treatment. Over the years, the technique has become more refined and is now standard in modern medicine, particularly in laboratory medicine, for diagnostic purposes.