The examples and perspective in this article may not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (July 2018) |
Phlebotomy | |
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ICD-9-CM | 38.99 |
MeSH | D018962 |
Phlebotomy is the process of making a puncture in a vein, usually in the arm, with a cannula for the purpose of drawing blood.[1] The procedure itself is known as a venipuncture, which is also used for intravenous therapy. A person who performs a phlebotomy is called a phlebotomist, although most doctors, nurses, and other technicians can also carry out a phlebotomy.[2] In contrast, phlebectomy is the removal of a vein.
Phlebotomies that are carried out in the treatment of some blood disorders are known as therapeutic phlebotomies.[3] The average volume of whole blood drawn in a therapeutic phlebotomy to an adult is 1 unit (450–500 ml) weekly to once every several months, as needed.[4]