What is a Phlebotomist? |
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May 10, 2005
By Kathy A. Johnson
kathy.johnson@healthcare-programs.com
Healthcare Programs Columnist
Health care careers encompass any number of specialties. One of these is the job of the phlebotomist. This health care professional works with patients and supports care and treatment with his or her attention to detail, bedside manner - beven dexterity!
Blood Work
A phlebotomist draws blood from patients for tests, transfusions, donations, and research. He or she uses a variety of techniques, like drawing blood from veins, or performing heel or finger sticks.
Phlebotomists deal directly with patients, and must be able to explain procedures and help nervous patients relax. It helps to be physically dexterous and able to collect specimens with a minimum amount of trauma.
Details, Details
In addition to taking blood, a phlebotomist must process, clearly label, and store all specimens, making sure they are delivered to the appropriate destination (a specific lab, for instance). He or she may be responsible for entering patient or other information into a computer, as well as checking, maintaining, and stocking supplies.
For safety reasons, a phlebotomist must follow strict guidelines related to sterilization practices and infection control.
Education
To become a phlebotomist, you must have a high school degree or equivalent, and complete a program in phlebotomy. Check community colleges, junior colleges, vocational or technical schools, and hospitals for these programs. Training is usually completed in a short time, and often includes work experience as well as classroom instruction.
You can find phlebotomist jobs in hospitals, laboratories, doctors' offices, public health departments, clinics, or blood banks. Some phlebotomists also perform some of their work at health fairs.
Good health care involves the services of many health care professionals working together. If you work as a phlebotomist, you will be a part of that team.
About the Author
Kathy A. Johnson has written articles on health, fitness, and many other topics in her career as a freelance writer and editor. She lives in Florida, and is the features editor of Forum, a bimonthly publication of the national mothers group, Mothers & More.
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