Final answer:
Venipuncture is the process of making an incision in a vein to withdraw blood, typically performed by a phlebotomist. It is a common procedure for obtaining blood samples for laboratory analysis or other medical purposes.
Step-by-step explanation:
An incision into a vein with a needle to withdraw blood for analysis is known as venipuncture. This procedure is commonly performed by phlebotomists, healthcare professionals who are trained in drawing blood. Venipuncture is often done on a superficial vessel located in the antecubital region, an area where the cephalic vein is linked to the basilic vein. The blood collected can be used for a variety of purposes, such as medical analyses, transfusions, and donations. It's essential for many diagnostic procedures, including monitoring diseases and evaluating treatment responses.
For small quantities of blood, a capillary stick may be performed on a finger, earlobe, or an infant's heel. Furthermore, blood can be drawn for specialized tests such as blood gas analysis, which uses an arterial stick from an artery. After collection, the blood samples may be processed in medical laboratories where medical technologists conduct a wide array of tests.