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Venipuncture
Alternate Names : Blood-Drawing, Phlebotomy
DefinitionVenipuncture is the collection of blood specimen from a vein, usually for laboratory testing.
Pictures & Images
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Why is the Test Performed?
Blood is used by the body for transportation of oxygen, food, waste products, and other materials within the body. It is also used for regulation of body temperature, regulation of fluids, and acid-base equilibrium. Because blood is used for multiple functions within the body, tests on the blood or its components may give valuable clues in the diagnosis of a multitude of medical conditions.
Blood is made up of a fluid portion (plasma) and a cellular portion. Plasma contains various substances dissolved in the fluid. Serum is what remains when fibrinogen has been removed from the plasma (this is the fluid that remains after blood is allowed to clot in a test tube). The cellular portion consists primarily of red blood cells, but also includes white blood cells and platelets.
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• Definition
• Why is the Test Performed?
• How is the Test Performed?
• How to Prepare for the Test?
• How will the Test Feel?
• Normal Values
• What do Abnormal Results Mean?
• Special Considerations
• Risks
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Blood Clots
Tests & Exams
• Blood Pressure
• Fibrinogen
• Platelet Count
Other Topics
• Adolescent Test or Procedure Preparation
• Bleeding
• Fainting
• Infant Test/Procedure Preparation
• Preschooler Test/Procedure Preparation
• School Age Test/Procedure Preparation
• Toddler Test/Procedure Preparation
Review Date : 8/18/2003
Reviewed By : Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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