Intended for trainee and practising phlebotomists, medical students and junior medical staff, midwives, nurses and ambulance personnel, this book provides a comprehensive introduction to taking blood from patients. It covers all blodd taking procedures, from thumb and heel pricking to such recent and advanced methods as the evacuated system of venepuncture. Features include a study of relevant anatomy and physiology, an exploration of the safety aspects and first aid, and such topics as AIDS and hepatitis. It includes an appendix of useful addresses, and normal values for blood tests.