What does a Phlebotomist Do? – Phlebotomy is the process of taking blood from a person with a needle and collecting it in a container. This can be done through an outpatient or inpatient setting. The benefits of being a phlebotomist are many, including saving lives, providing health care, and helping to prevent disease. In order to become a phlebotomist, you’ll first need to have some qualifications. You’ll also need to pass an exam that covers the basic information about Phlebotomy. After you pass your exam, you’ll be able to start working as a phlebotomist.
Phlebotomy is the process of taking blood from a human subject in order to study its chemistry or properties. Phlebotomy has been used for centuries to study a variety of topics, including medicine, law, agriculture, and war. Today, phlebotomy is an important part of many medical procedures, and it’s also becoming more popular in gaming thanks to the increasing need for data collection. In this guide, you’ll learn about the different types of phlebotomy and how it can be used in game design.
What is a phlebotomist?
A phlebotomist is a professional who performs blood testing for medical purposes. They may also perform other medical tests, such as ultrasounds and MRI scans. A phlebotomist typically works in hospitals, clinics, or other medical settings.
What does a phlebotomist do?
A phlebotomist is a professional who performs body tests to measure the health of people. They may also be known as a blood testographer, physical scientist, or health technologist. A phlebotomist works with clients to obtain specimens for testing, including blood, saliva, and semen. They may also help prepare medical tests and prescribe medications.
A phlebotomist is a health care professional who has been specially trained to draw blood. The blood is used to test for conditions based on a physician’s orders, although it can also be used for a transfusion, for research or a donation. Some common duties of phlebotomists include:
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Greeting blood draw patients and explaining the process to them
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Ensuring patients’ intake paperwork is correct and complete and that their identity is clear
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Calming patients if they are nervous
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With pediatric patients, preparing distractions, special toys and smaller needles
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In case of geriatric patients, making sure all conditions are noted and necessary precautions have been undertaken
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Sterilizing and organizing all equipment according to procedures and protocols
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Conducting the blood draw
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Following all special instructions on patients’ order forms
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Labeling and properly storing the sample
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Properly disposing of used needles and bandages
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Making sure the patient has no adverse reactions
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Inventorying equipment
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Sterilizing and cleaning the area for the next patient
Does phlebotomy pay well?
phlebotomy is a profession that has been around for centuries. It’s a medical procedure that involves the administration of blood and other medical treatments using a tube inserted into the body. There are many different types of phlebotomy, but all of them use the same techniques and principles. In this blog post, we’re going to take a look at one of the most common types of phlebotomy – blood drawing.
Average salary
Phlebotomists are usually full-time employees, although some work on a part-time or contract basis. Their salaries depend on factors such as their education level, experience, certifications and the size of the company in which they are employed.
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Common salary in the U.S.: $13.03 per hour
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Some salaries range from $7.25 to $33.20 per hour.
Phlebotomist requirements
Becoming a phlebotomist involves completing certain training and developing the interpersonal skills needed to keep patients comfortable:
Education
Most positions in this field require at least a high school diploma or GED. Phlebotomists may also complete an associate’s degree as a phlebotomy technician. These courses are offered at community colleges and can usually be completed within a year. Some technicians who plan to seek a leadership role, promotion or lateral move might complete a bachelor’s degree in medical technology, which would include phlebotomy courses. Some nursing degrees also include education about phlebotomy.
Training
Much of a phlebotomist’s training will take place while getting their education through hands-on projects and demonstrations. Once hired, their supervisors will typically complete their training by explaining the rules, regulations and procedures.
Certifications
Phlebotomists can acquire several certifications that show their expertise and commitment to the profession. Most certifications require ongoing recertification and continuing study. Certification is optional in many states, but others require it. Here are some examples of certifications that phlebotomists can acquire:
Certified Phlebotomy Technologist
This certification is offered by the National Phlebotomy Association. Eligible applicants who have proof of a phlebotomy education can sign up to take a course and pass an exam to become certified. Along with phlebotomists, others who might be interested in earning this certification include nurses, medical assistants and emergency medical technicians. Those who have at least one year of practical experience may not have to take the examination.
Phlebotomy Technician
This certification is offered by the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians. Applicants need a full year of experience as a part-time phlebotomist, six months as a full-time phlebotomist or a letter from a supervisor stating that the applicant’s position calls for them to draw blood regularly.
Phlebotomy Technician
The American Society for Clinical Pathology offers both a phlebotomy certification and a Donor Phlebotomy Technician certification, both of which require a work and training documentation process followed by rigorous study and an examination.
Phlebotomy Technician Certification
The National Center for Competency Testing is another reputed organization that offers certification for phlebotomists. Only those who have completed a phlebotomy training course and can supply a critical skills competency form can apply for this certification.
Skills
Phlebotomists need several soft and hard skills to help them do their job well. Here are some examples:
Organization
Clear and proper identification of a blood sample is crucial to a patient’s diagnosis. Organizational skills can help a phlebotomist ensure that their equipment is nearby and ready, that procedures and checklists are adhered to during a draw and that samples are carefully labeled and stored.
Computer skills
In some facilities, a phlebotomist is also responsible for entering data about the patient and their blood into the computer systems. An understanding of electronic medical health records and basic computer knowledge will help with this part of the job.
Empathy
Many patients are nervous about needles. Understanding their fear and presenting a calm and comforting demeanor will help create an atmosphere in which a patient can cooperate fully in the blood draw process. An empathetic bedside manner is especially helpful when dealing with pediatric patients.
A steady hand
A phlebotomist must have the skill to prepare the skin and test first to find the ideal place for a puncture. A skilled phlebotomist can ensure that a draw will happen quickly and easily.
Communication
A phlebotomist should be able to explain procedures to nervous patients and communicate effectively with other technicians, nurses, physicians and insurance companies.
Phlebotomist work environment
Phlebotomists will spend a large part of their day either standing or walking to patients within a practice, clinic or hospital. They will handle medical equipment such as needles, vials, tourniquets and bandages, so they will have to be careful about contamination of samples and infection.
These medical professionals will work in physical proximity with hundreds of patients who may be ill with various conditions, so they will need a working knowledge of safety procedures and protocols. They will also regularly handle data and the proper labeling and storage of samples, so they will benefit from accuracy and attention to detail.
Phlebotomists can find jobs in many environments. Here are some examples of places where they can find work:
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Hospital departments
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Emergency rooms
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Urgent care clinics
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Blood donation banks
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Mobile blood donation units
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Community health centers
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Assisted living facilities
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Clinical laboratories
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Doctors’ offices
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Research facilities
How to become a phlebotomist
Here are some steps that you can follow to become a phlebotomist:
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Pursue an education. Phlebotomists typically need a high school diploma or a GED to begin their career. They can then apply for a phlebotomy technician course at a community college or online.
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Earn certifications. In some states, certification is mandatory. It’s optional in other states, but it still shows a phlebotomist’s expertise and commitment to the job. Several organizations offer a phlebotomist certification with varying requirements.
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Create a resume. Build a resume that highlights your education, skills and job experience. Tailor your resume and cover letter, if applicable, for every job you apply to.
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Search for positions. Look for positions that match your level of education and experience and apply to any you believe may be a good fit for your skills.
Phlebotomist job description example
Blood Transfer International is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced phlebotomist. We are a mobile blood donation facility that travels all over the county, often stopping at movie theaters, special events and busy locations such as shopping malls. Our clients are drop-in patients who are donating blood.
The qualified candidate should be current on all safety practices and regulations, willing to educate the donors about their blood donation and ensure that they are good candidates. The phlebotomist must be able to follow protocols closely, explain procedures and work quickly, precisely and accurately. Impeccable record-keeping skills are mandatory. Hours vary, and some evenings and weekends might be necessary. Certification required. Competitive salary and benefits offered.
Related careers
Are you thinking about a career change? Or are you considering a career change but don’t know where to start? Here are some related careers that may be a good fit for you.