noun

phlebotomy

fli-BOT-uh-mee

Phlebotomy (noun) means the practice of drawing blood from a vein with a needle, for testing, donation or treatment. Example: “She trained in phlebotomy before applying to nursing school.”

noun

medical The practice of drawing blood from a vein with a needle, for testing, donation or treatment.

"She trained in phlebotomy before applying to nursing school."

"Report to the phlebotomy department on the ground floor."

medical The deliberate removal of a quantity of blood as a therapy, used in conditions where the body holds too much iron or too many red cells.

"Patients with haemochromatosis need regular therapeutic phlebotomy."

How to Use Phlebotomy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTaking blood out of a vein with a needle.

When to use it

Medical; the person who does it is a phlebotomist.

Easily confused with

phlebotomy → lobotomy → phlebitis

Common pairings

phlebotomy technician therapeutic phlebotomy phlebotomy training phlebotomy chair

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “phlebotomy” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

She trained in _____ before applying to nursing school.

Etymology

From Greek phleps, phlebos 'vein' and -tomia 'cutting'.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

View more →

venipuncture blood draw venesection

Rhymes for phlebotomy

roomy gloomy sodomy economy anatomy taxonomy autonomy lobotomy dichotomy astronomy colostomy vasectomy

See all rhymes for phlebotomy →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between phlebotomy and venipuncture?

Venipuncture is the act of puncturing a vein with a needle. Phlebotomy is the wider practice of drawing blood, which is nearly always done by venipuncture but also covers capillary sticks and therapeutic bleeding.

Is phlebotomy the same as bloodletting?

Historically yes — bloodletting was phlebotomy used as a cure-all. Modern therapeutic phlebotomy is narrow and evidence-based, prescribed for specific conditions such as iron overload or polycythaemia.

How long does it take to become a phlebotomist?

In most countries it is a short vocational course of a few weeks to a few months plus supervised practice, rather than a full degree. Requirements vary by state or region.