Etymed
phlebotomy
Definition
surgical incision of a vein for the removal of blood
Clinical context
A 45-year-old patient presents with symptoms of polycythemia vera and requires therapeutic phlebotomy to reduce blood volume. The procedure is performed by inserting a needle into a large vein, typically in the antecubital fossa, to remove 450 mL of blood at a time.
Mnemonic
PHLEBOTOMY: Puncture the vein for blood removal, like a phlebotomist pulling blood from a patient's arm.