Final answer:
Venipuncture is the procedure used to puncture a vein with a needle to remove blood, instill medication, or start an intravenous infusion. It is a common medical practice performed by trained phlebotomists.
Step-by-step explanation:
The procedure used to puncture a vein with a needle for various medical reasons such as to remove blood, instill medication, or start an intravenous infusion is known as a venipuncture. Venipuncture is a common and vital procedure in medical settings and is typically performed by trained professionals known as phlebotomists. These professionals may work in medical laboratories or hospitals and are skilled in drawing blood from a surface vein in the arm. This procedure is essential for a range of applications including blood analysis by medical laboratories, transfusions, donations, or research.
Other related medical procedures include sclerotherapy or endovenous thermal ablation for treating certain vein conditions, angioplasty for treating occluded blood vessels, and the insertion of venous catheters that can be a source of bloodstream infections if not managed correctly.