Career as a Phlebotomist

Phlebotomy is the process of piercing the flesh withPhlebotomy is safe when done by a well-trained
a needle in order to enter a vein and extract bloodprofessional. The phlebotomist bears in mind factors
from the body. This is also known as venipuncture.such as the bruising of the skin where it is punctured,
The terminology comes from the Greek wordinflammation of veins, and possible chances of
"phlebo" meaning vein, and "tom" meaning cut. Mostinfection at the punctured sites while performing
often the blood is used for diagnostic (testing)venipunctures or skin punctures. The skin puncture is
purposes and at times this process can be done todone using finger sticks wherein small blood samples
replace blood loss (transfusion). Regular phlebotomy isneed to be collected. In the case of infants, a heel
undergone by patients who have too much iron instick is used. At times it may be required to draw
their blood or are producing too many red blood cells.blood from arteries or capillary beds; a specimen
Removal of blood decreases the excess level of ironwhich is easily done by these trained professionals.
in the red blood cells.Phlebotomists may at times be required to ascertain
You may have faced a situation in which you neededstool and urine sample collection and testing.
to donate blood, or perhaps took part in a bloodPhlebotomists do not administer drugs or any
group test. You may have realized that you did notintravenous fluids that require injections.
experience any discomfort or pain when the needleIn the United States the phlebotomists are unlicensed
was inserted into the vein to draw blood, or evenmedical care professionals, except in the state of
while it was being removed. The person whoCalifornia. In California, licensing is mandatory for
administered this procedure to you was, in fact, aphlebotomists in order to work with any clinical
Phlebotomist trained in phlebotomy.laboratory, hospital, research institution, public health
A Phlebotomist is a person who has the ability to findclinics or blood bank.
a vein beneath the skin, inject the needle and extractThose who have undergone vocational training,
blood with ease, even within seconds. They alsograduated in phlebotomy or spent approximately two
monitor blood pressure and pulse in situations likeyears in the field should enroll in a certification course.
blood transfusions or blood donation at the bloodThis will help with proficiency in human anatomy,
banks. Phlebotomists are integral and vital memberstechnical skills, interpersonal skills, lab safety rules, as
of the healthcare team, as the blood they collect iswell as compliance with CDC & OSHA requirements.
used for diagnostic testing which helps the physiciansIn addition, many other pre-requisites such as blood
to make informed decisions. They also act as lifecollection techniques, specimen record management
guardians with their services at the blood banksand data entry maintenance for the purposes of
encouraging blood donation campaigns.report generation, will be covered.