Learn What to Expect As a Phlebotomist?

Answer 1

Phlebotomy is the process of drawing blood, and is a necessary and routine part of many medical procedures. There are doctors who take blood, but commonly, it is a phlebotomist that will step in and collect the sample. These skilled technicians are an essential part of the healthcare team, and work in a variety of settings to include blood banks, care homes, clinics, and hospital.

Phlebotomy technicians are responsible for extracting blood samples intravenously through a procedure called venipuncture. These samples are used for a number of procedures such as transfusions, drug testing and analysis. Phlebotomists may also collect additional types of samples, depending on their level of training.

Phlebotomist Training

Phlebotomist training various in lengths from semester long courses to one-day intensives, and covers areas such as safety, laboratory skills and vein puncture. A standard phlebotomy-training syllabus will include:

•Finding a appropriate site for drawing blood

•Applying a tourniquet

•The anatomy of the arm

•Preventing infection

•Working in a clinical setting

•Labeling samples

•Drug testing

•CPR

•Identifying patients correctly

•Bedside manner

•Blood drawing practice from an fake arm

Training Requirements

Training requirements for a phlebotomist vary depending on the particular state the services are performed in. California and Louisiana are the only states that require everyone who is not a clinical lab scientist, doctor, or nurse have a license in order to collect blood. Even in other states, it is extremely difficult to secure employment as a phlebotomist without formal certification and training.

In the U.S. there are three accepted bodies by which and individual can obtain certification and each requires the candidate to pass a certification exam. The exam tests measure general aptitude as well as phlebotomy topics such as the circulatory system, physiology, and anatomy. In addition to test requirements, these organizations enforce their own set of criteria. These certifying bodies include:

•ASCP also known as the American Society of Clinical Pathology-Requires 120 hours of hands on training, 40 hours of instruction in the classroom, and at least 100 independent, successful blood collections, for people with no prior experience.

•ASPT also known as the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians-Provides certification for ASPT individuals who have 105 successful blood draws and completion on an accredited training program.

•NPA also known as the National Phlebotomy Association-Must attend a phlebotomy program that includes blood drawing methods, 160 classroom hours, and a practical internship.