Final answer:
Venipuncture is the medical term for puncturing a vein to extract blood, administer medication, or initiate intravenous therapy, performed by trained professionals like phlebotomists.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medical term for puncturing a vein to remove blood, instill medication, or start an intravenous infusion is venipuncture. Phlebotomists are trained professionals who perform venipuncture, often on a surface vein in the arm for various medical purposes such as blood analysis, transfusions, donations, or research.
The procedure is also commonly used for inserting catheters for chemotherapy, administering medications, and for long-term intravenous feeding or antibiotic treatment. To become certified, phlebotomists may pass a national examination issued by the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians. Other medical professionals, such as medical technologists, also interact with the blood samples, performing tests essential for diagnoses and monitoring treatment responses.