What is the purpose of conducting a venipuncture?

The primary purpose of conducting a venipuncture is to collect blood specimens for laboratory testing. This procedure involves inserting a needle into a vein, typically in the arm, to obtain a blood sample. The collected blood can then be used for various diagnostic tests that help evaluate a person’s health and identify potential medical conditions.

Venipuncture is crucial for a wide range of tests, including complete blood counts, metabolic panels, blood cultures, and various other assays that provide vital information about the patient’s bodily functions and conditions. This process allows healthcare providers to make informed decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment based on the results obtained from these blood samples.

The other options, while involving the use of needles or similar techniques, do not describe the purpose of venipuncture accurately. For instance, removing impacted cerumen, injecting medications, or performing joint aspiration serve different medical purposes and are distinct procedures with specific goals and techniques.