What is the primary purpose of venipuncture?

The primary purpose of venipuncture is to collect blood for testing. This procedure is essential in clinical practice as it allows healthcare providers to obtain specimens that are crucial for diagnosing, monitoring, and managing various medical conditions. Blood tests can reveal important information about a patient’s health and can be used to detect infections, assess organ function, determine blood type, and evaluate various biochemical parameters.

While the other options involve important procedures and treatment aspects, they are not the main intent of venipuncture. Administering intravenous medications and providing fluids for hydration involve different techniques, typically performed through a catheter after venipuncture has been done. Monitoring blood pressure does not require venipuncture at all, as it is done non-invasively using a sphygmomanometer. Consequently, the design and purpose of venipuncture focus specifically on blood collection, making it a critical skill in laboratory and diagnostic medicine.