NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

What is the definition of phlebotomy?

1. A procedure for blood donation

2. An incision into the vein

3. A method of blood analysis

4. A technique for blood preservation

The correct answer is: An incision into the vein

Phlebotomy is defined as an incision into the vein, where a trained individual uses a needle to access a vein for the purpose of collecting blood. This practice is essential in various medical scenarios, such as diagnostics, therapeutic procedures, and blood donations. By specifically referring to the act of making an incision or puncture in the vein, the definition encompasses both the intentional access to the vein for blood collection and the use of appropriate techniques and safety measures to ensure patient care. While procedures for blood donation, methods of blood analysis, and techniques for blood preservation may be relevant to the field of phlebotomy, they do not capture the fundamental action of drawing blood from a vein itself. The focus of phlebotomy as a term is primarily on the procedure and skill involved in accessing the vascular system to obtain blood samples.