Glossary
When researching phlebotomy, or clicking around the PTS website and reading our downloads, you may have come across a few terms that you have not heard before. So below is a glossary of terms, to better help your understanding. If you come across something that is not on this list just drop us an email and we’ll get it added as soon as possible!
Artery – A blood vessel taking oxygenated blood away from the heart
Bruise – A collection of blood under the skin that has escaped from capillaries
Haematoma – A collection of blood under the skin that has escaped from a vein or an artery
Haemo – Relating to red blood cells
Haemoconcentration – Damage to a sample caused by leaving the tourniquet on too long
Haemolysiss – Damage to a sample caused by rupturing the red blood cells
Palpate – To feel for a vein under the skin
Phlebitis – Inflammation of a vein
Phlebotomy – ‘Phleb’ a Greek work, meaning to puncture a vein to take a blood sample.
Sclerosis – Thickening and hardening of the walls of a vein or an artery
Sharps – Things that can penetrate the skin
Vein – A blood vessel carrying deoxygenated blood back to the heart
Venepuncture – ‘Vena’ a Latin work for vein plus puncture, meaning the same as Phlebotomy
You can contact Phlebotomy Training Services by calling 01609 751 610 or using the contact form here.
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Phlebotomy Training Group Suite 27, Evolution Business Centre 6 County Business Park, Northallerton DL6 2NQ
Phlebotomy Training Services (PTS) was founded in July 2007 by Alison Purkiss (Cert Ed). Alison is a phlebotomist of over 15 years experience who has worked in hospitals and GP practices across the NHS. Alison is an expert in venepuncture and cannulation, and is also a trained teacher. Alison earned her Certificate in Education in September 1995.