Phlebotomy is when someone uses a needle to take blood from your vein. It’s also called a blood draw or venipuncture. WebMD explains the process, risks, and side effects.

Various venipuncture sites have been described, including the jugular vein, brachial vein, femoral vein, subcarapacial plexus, dorsal and ventral coccygeal veins and occipital sinus 1, 2.