The first time I took blood from someone it came as a surprise to both of us. All medical students must learn to take blood at some time during their course, but phlebotomy - like other skills requiring the use of sharp instruments - is usually left until the third year. A supplementary class I picked at the very beginning of my studies, however, turned out to include a practical lesson in blood-taking. 'Next week,' the lecturer announced, 'we'll be giving you a chance to try out venipuncture for yourselves.' After a short pause, as the meaning of the term 'venipuncture' sank in, everyone gazed dully at their desks or out of the classroom window: medical students affecting casualness, a sure sign of overexcitement. The six of us were thrilled. Putting needles into people's veins falls into the category of 'real medicine'.

LRB 21 July 2005 | PDF Download