Phlebotomy

Phlebotomy is the medical term for when a healthcare professional draws blood from a vein. This is most commonly done to collect blood for lab tests, which helps doctors understand your health or diagnose conditions. It is also involved when you donate blood or receive a blood transfusion. For some health conditions, phlebotomy is a treatment to safely remove blood to lower high levels of red blood cells or iron in your body. Understanding this process can help you know what to expect during blood draws and why they are an important part of your overall care plan.