Phlebotomist

Overview

Who is Phlebotomist?

 phlebotomist assists patients by determining the optimum technique of specimen retrieval, preparing specimens for laboratory testing, and performing screening procedures. Other job duties include verifying test requisitions by comparing the information with the nursing station log; bringing discrepancies to the attention of unit personnel. Verifying patient by reading patient identification. And obtaining blood specimens by performing venipunctures and finger sticks.

Typical day at work

What does Phlebotomist do?

Phlebotomists take blood samples for testing. Blood samples may be required to learn more about a specific patient or research purposes. Blood is collected from donors by phlebotomists for patients who require blood transfusions. Although most blood is drawn from veins, phlebotomists must also be able to draw blood from capillaries. When only a little blood volume is required, capillary sampling is used. It can be found on the finger, the heel, or the earlobe. Phlebotomists handle other specimens, including urine, sputum, faeces, and hair. Blood draws for diagnosis, transfusion, and research are administered and managed by phlebotomists. Above all, phlebotomists must care for patients and take steps to minimize tainting or sample degradation, which can influence test accuracy, such as Hemolysis.

• Ensure one-time use of needles or syringes and dispose the contaminated instruments after use
• Ensure sanitization and sterilization of blood-drawing trays
• Using vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture process to draw blood from veins
• Matching laboratory requirement forms to specimen tubes and correctly label the samples
• Blood or other bio-hazard products or tissues disposal in compliance with relevant rules, guidelines or policies
• Administer blood alcohol, blood culture, drug levels, etc. testing
• Collect specimens for analyses, such as those measuring therapeutic drug levels at different time intervals
• Forward the test sample results to physicians to make diagnosis
• Input patient, test sample, insurance, or accounting information into database
• Extract blood from capillaries by using dermal puncture procedure like heel or finger stick techniques
• Administer haemoglobin checks for acceptable levels of iron of the donor
• Appropriately store and transfer blood, urine, fluid, and faecal specimines to laboratories from collection sites
• Take fluid or tissue samples, using correct collection methods
• Supervise and mentor other medical staff in techniques of phlebotomy
• Under doctor’s instructions, administer saline flushes or dispense anticoagulant drugs using intravenous (IV) lines
• Perform subcutaneous or intramuscular injections
• Extract blood from arteries using techniques for arterial collection
• Oversee blood or plasma donors throughout the process to safeguard their health, safety, and comfort
• Assess the suitability of donor based on interview, vital signs, and medical history
• Calibrate and maintain plasma collection and other machines
• Provide refreshments to donors to confirm sugar absorption into their system
• Conduct blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rate assessments of the patients
• Prepare stains and reagents
• With children create distractions and use smaller needles
• Explain the procedure to patients
• Draw blood into a tube by inserting a hypodermic needle
• Smear dressing on the needle puncture
• Verify identity of the patient or donor to confirm accurate sample testing and labelling.

Abilities & aptitude needed

What are the skills, abilities & aptitude needed to become Phlebotomist?

Along with understanding how to operate and set up complex laboratory machinery, Phlebotomists should value precision and be comfortable working with equipment, like needles which require careful monitoring. They need knowledge in anatomy and blood collection procedures. Understanding electronic medical health records and having basic computer skills are advantageous.

They must strictly adhere to all directions for the tests or processes to be carried out appropriately. They must have good hand-eye coordination and work intimately, safely, and successfully with needles, chemicals, and other laboratory tools. Thus, good hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills are necessary.

They must also practice all standard safety procedures and quality control principles in the laboratory and understand and abide by legal and health care procedures.

Phlebotomists need to be well-organized, have observation skills, and be detail-oriented to conduct procedures with accuracy and precision.

They must be able to use logical reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, as well as sound reasoning and judgement.

They must be able to successfully communicate both vocally and in writing and have interpersonal skills. Phlebotomists need to be understanding and compassionate about the patient’s anxiety and fear of needles; thus, phlebotomists must possess empathy to put the patient at ease.

Courses

Which course I can pursue?