Phlebotomist

Phlebotomist is a healthcare professional who is trained to draw blood from a patient (or an animal) for clinical or medical testing, transfusions, donations, or research. Phlebotomists collect blood primarily by performing venipunctures (or, for collection in infants, heelsticks). The duties of a phlebotomist may include properly identifying the patient, interpreting the tests requested on the requisition, drawing blood into the correct tubes with the proper additives, accurately explaining the procedure to the patients, preparing patients accordingly, practicing the required forms of asepsis, practicing standard and universal precautions, performing the skin/vein puncture, withdrawing blood into containers or tubes, restoring hemostasis of the puncture site, instructing patients on post-puncture care, ordering tests per the doctor's requisition, affixing tubes with electronically printed labels, and delivering specimens to a laboratory.

Training and Work

Phlebotomists are trained through several different routes. They may be trained at some hospitals, vocational schools, technical schools, and community colleges. Phlebotomy is often an entry-level position. Some people in phlebotomy choose to increase their qualifications by moving into more advanced medical jobs, such as medical assisting.

In the UK there is no requirement for holding a formal qualification or certification prior to becoming a phlebotomist as training is usually provided on the job. The NHS will often require at least two GCSEs or equivalent.

Certification

In the US, some states require phlebotomists to be licensed or registered:

• California
• Louisiana
• Nevada
• Washington

In these states, phlebotomists cannot practice without a license or certificate.

See Also

• Medical Laboratory Scientist
• Medical Technologist
• Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Phlebotomist Resources
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