When did phlebotomy begin?

Answer 1

Phlebotomy was thought to have been developed in theory by Hippocrates in 460-377 BC.

The literal translation if the term comes from the Greek word Phlebos meaning Veins and tome meaning incision into.

Some authorities believe phlebotomy or blood letting, dates back to the last period of the stone age when crude tools where used to puncture veins and allow excess blood to flow out.

early in the middle ages barber-surgeons flourished. by 1210 the guild of barber surgeons were distinguished into 2 categories Long robe and short robe. Short robe surgeons were forbidden by law to do any surgery except, bloodletting, wound surgery, cupping, leeching shaving tooth extraction and enema administration.

During the 17th and early 18th centuries phlebotomy was considered a major therapeutic process. It was not only limited to venesection Leeches and cupping were also used.

** Information taken from "Phlebotomy essentials" 4th ed, Ruth McCall & Cathee Tankersley. pages 4-8.

Answer 2

Phlebotomy started centuries ago when it was thought that you could get rid of evil and sickness in the body by draining some of your blood! Some of the tools they used to do this were really scary actually, like almost a cheese grader looking contraption! Also centuries ago barbers were a low level phlebotomist and the barber poll that is still used today in front of their shops was the trademark for a phlebotomists shop or practice whatever you choose to call it. Kind of odd i think that barbers used to do phlebotomy but hey guess there are weirder things out there!

Answer 3

The Ancient Greeks are generally recognized as the first to use phlebotomy, though this was not collection of blood for labs, but rather the practice of bloodletting believed to cure disease.