Phlebotomy is the process of collecting blood through vein by using incision or puncture method to draw blood for analysis or as part of THERAPEUTIC or DIAGNOSTIC measures under the physician’s request.
It was derived from two Greek words: o Phlebos - vein o Temnein – to cut
Venesection comes from the Latin words; ▪ Vena – vein ▪ Secto – cutting
Stone age - Crude tools to cut vessels and drain blood from the body
1400 B.C. - ancient Egyptians also practiced phlebotomy as form of “bloodletting”
460-377 BC - Hippocrates, a Greek physician - Believed that a person’s health depends on the balance of the four humors
▪ Earth ▪ Air ▪ Fire ▪ Water
Blood and brain
Phlegm and lungs
Black bile and spleen
yellow bile and gall bladder
In the middle ages, Bloodletting was performed by barber-surgeons as part of the treatment for some illnesses.
Cupping
alternative medicine application of special heated suction cups on the patient's skin o incision using a fleam or lancet
Leeching
known as Hirudotherapy
uses leeches for bloodletting
used for microsurgical replantation
Clinical chemistry is also known as Blood Chemistry
analyzes serum and plasma
TRAITS THAT FORM THE PROFESSIONAL IMAGE OF THE PHLEBOTOMIST
• Good manual dexterity
• Special communication skills
• Good organizational skills
• Through knowledge of laboratory specimen requirements
