The Phlebotomist

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Phlebotomy is one of the routine procedures performed by phlebotomy technicians, which often are simply referred to as phlebotomists. Phlebotomists also perform other tasks as required, such as urine collection, specimen processing, sample testing, and analysis reports and is responsible for specimen labeling, recording, preservation, tracking, and transportation. Their main goal is to maintain the sample's integrity for specimen analysis, practice universal precautions, and deliver auxiliary services to the community.

The Phlebotomist

Many who choose a career in the healthcare field decide to specialize in phlebotomy. It gives them an opportunity to work with doctors, or dentists, hospitals, pharmacies, nursing homes, healthcare facilities, vet clinics, rehabilitation centers, insurance companies, blood donation centers, and many other interesting locations.

The phlebotomy tech's daily routine consists primarily of performing venipunctures, or fingersticks to collect capillary, venous, and sometimes, arterial blood samples into blood collection tubes as ordered by a medical doctor, or other licensed healthcare practitioner. These samples are then labeled, recorded, and packaged for screening and diagnostic evaluation in a hematology lab.

Many phlebotomists do "point-of-care" testing, enjoying the flexibility, mobility, and different cases. There are currently several openings at mobile and diagnostic testing companies all across the country. Others prefer less patient contact, less travel, and a more predictable work environment and therefore stay within the parameters of blood sample analysis, and laboratory work.

They identify a wide variety of tests; select appropriate blood collection tubes according to the size and metric volume; estimate quantity of blood needed in relation to tests ordered; assemble all necessary equipment; label tubes with patient name, identification number, date, time, and initials; and prepare samples for storage, and transportation. Often they transport specimens from outpatient clinics, and outside locations to clinical laboratories, and from time to time respond to emergency beeper requests for specimen pick-up.

The person taking the blood has to be extensively trained in the methods and tools used in the process.

Here Are Some Tips From the Pros:

Don't forget to ask if the patient is on an anticoagulant therapy and/or taking blood thinners such as Coumadin, or receiving injections such as Calciparine or Liquaemin. These patients can bleed excessively for a prolonged period after the needle is drawn and also they may bruise quite easily! -- Anonymous

If the patient is taking anticoagulant therapy and/or taking blood thinners such as Coumadin, be sure to take special precautions when applying the tourniquet. Elderly patient's epidermis may be extremely thin in which breakage of the skin cells may result. -- Sharon

If I have a patient where I can feel a deep vein in the antecubital fossa area, but don't think it is popping enough to get, I will tie another tourniquet around the patients forearm. This usually helps pop up the vein. Just make sure to untie the tourniquet(s) as soon as you get blood! -- Anonymous

Be careful how tight you tie the tourniquet when drawing on a patient that already has bulging veins. A tight tourniquet on these type of patients can easily cause the vein to blow. -- Anonymous

Always keep in mind the white lab coat syndrome and reassure the patient to relax before you begin the venipuncture procedure. -- Dora

Check the pulse after applying the tourniquet. If you cut off the arterial blood flow you will not get any venous return, hence poor venous distention. -- Michael V.

When drawing blood at people's home or place of business I ask them to make a fist, place it on the table, and set their elbow right on top of the fist to straighten their arm. Presto! Straight arm at the kitchen table for a quick easy draw. -- Bonnie

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