General
leech
What does leech mean?
Individual variant of 'bloodsuckers,' referring to a person who takes blood samples.
"Send the leech round, we need repeat cultures."
Origin
From the medicinal leech historically used for bloodletting.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'leech' mean in a hospital?
It is a nickname for a phlebotomist or lab tech who draws blood samples.
Why are blood-drawers called leeches?
The term comes from the medicinal leech historically used for bloodletting, a jokey nod to taking blood.
Is calling someone a leech offensive here?
In this context it is light, jargon-based teasing rather than a serious insult.
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