egyption phlebotomy Phlebotomy is defined as an incision into a
vein and is one of the oldest medical procedures dating back to
the early Egyptians. It was initially used for removing blood or
“blood letting” as it was commonly known and was done for
therapeutic purposes.  It is primarily performed now for the
collection of blood specimens for laboratory analysis and is
used to diagnose and monitor medical conditions. Phlebotomy
plays a key role in laboratory testing and patient care. It is
widely accepted that the quality of a laboratory test is only as
good as the specimen that was obtained. To achieve this level of
quality requires as highly trained professional. Due to the
increase and complexity of laboratory testing and the need to
increase the efficiency and cost effectiveness of health care,
phlebotomy had become a very highly specialized area of clinical
laboratory practice. The term Phlebotomist is now used to
describe this specialized position and his course is designed to
prepare the student for t