In medicine, venipuncture or venepuncture is the process of obtaining intravenous access for the purpose of venous blood sampling or intravenous therapy.

What does a venipuncture test for?

It is the collection of blood from veins. It is most often performed for the purpose of laboratory testing. It is done with a needle, and typically performed by a phlebotomist. Venipuncture may also be performed in order to remove extra red blood cells from the blood, to treat various blood disorders.

What is the medical definition of a venipuncture?

(VEE-nih-PUNK-cher) A procedure in which a needle is used to take blood from a vein, usually for laboratory testing. Venipuncture may also be done to remove extra red blood cells from the blood, to treat certain blood disorders.