Origins of the Term “Phlebotomy”
The term “phlebotomy” is derived from the Greek words “phleps” and “tome.”
Phleps (Φλέψ): This word translates to “vein” in Greek. It signifies the blood vessels from which blood is drawn in the procedure.
Tome (τομή): This word means “cutting” or “incision.” In the context of phlebotomy, it refers to the act of making an incision or puncture in a vein to draw blood.
Thus, phlebotomy essentially refers to the practice of making an incision in a vein with a needle for the purpose of collecting blood. This procedure has been used historically for both medical diagnostics and therapeutic purposes such as bloodletting.