The History Of Phlebotomy

The History Of Phlebotomy

Phlebotomy is a term that started in the 20th Century. Before this it was a commonly used therapeutic method known as bloodletting.

Bloodletting continued on into the 16th Century and was largely acknowledged in Northern European countries, especially France where it was practiced for almost every illness. Causing the patient to faint with bloodletting was the goal because they thought that meant the patient was cured.

During this time instruments used for bloodletting became innovative and more complex, spring loaded lancets and scarificators were used for more superficial veins.

In the late 19th Century scientists discovered that germs and not an excess of the four humors caused illness. Evidence showed that bloodletting wasn't as effect as it was thought to be and began to die out.

Phlebotomists today remove small amounts of blood for the purpose of running tests and bloodletting is only used to treat certain illnesses that require it.

Bloodletting or Phlebotomy is one of the oldest forms of medical practice it has lasted thousands of years and is still an important job in the medical field today.

In 5th Century Greece the art of bloodletting became recognized as a serious medical procedure and spread throughout other civilizations.

Galen, a student of the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, was the first among civilized societies to perform bloodletting in practice.

16th Century

18th Century

5th Century

2014

B.C.

A big turning point was when Galen discovered that veins and arteries carry blood and not air, as it was previously thought. Ancient physicians thought blood just came to be and did not circulate. Blood along with other body fluids were known as the four humors, blood being the dominant one. Physicians believed that keeping an even balance of humors was the key to maintaining good health.

Ancient bloodletting was commonly performed with lancets and fleams, but leeches were also popular because they inject a natural coagulant into the skin upon latching on.

During the 18th century barber surgeons were popular. While customers were being groomed excess blood would be drained, this was more common than any other medical procedure at the time. Barbers would advertise with a red and white striped pole, the red stripe meaning blood and the white stripe a tourniquet. The pole itself represents the stick the patient would squeeze to help dialate the veins.

Benjamen Rush helped spread bloodletting to the United States. He ordered perhaps the most blood to be drawn throughout history, including for President George Washington, who they believe died from excessive bloodletting.

Bloodletting has been practiced in many cultures from as early as BC times to current day for many different reasons. The Egyptians, Mayans and Mesopotamians practiced bloodletting for sacrificial and ritualistic purposes along with medical use.