A career in Phlebotomy allows a person to interact with others and help make a real difference in their lives. From hospitals to geriatric homes; Phlebotomists (a type of clinical laboratory technician) work in different healthcare settings to collect blood samples. Phlebotomists do blood work, which is used in laboratory testing, blood transfusions and medical studies.
Responsibilities of a Phlebotomist
A Phlebotomist helps the diagnostic process, as he or she is responsible for drawing blood from the patient. A hospital, doctor’s office or laboratory testing facility are just a few examples of the different locations where blood may be drawn by a Phlebotomist. They may either work in these locations or as a part of a team in blood collection. Blood donation camps and locations are aided by the expertise provided by phlebotomists in drawing blood. Phlebotomists also travel in mobile blood donation vehicles to collect blood while working on a blood drive.
Good strong communication skills are an important part of a career in phlebotomy as phlebotomists work closely with patients and need to understand them, and be understood as well. Drawing blood can become unmanageable if a patient becomes anxious; having an excellent Phlebotomist calming and reassure them can make all the difference in obtaining the blood sample, and reassuring the patient. Once the blood is collected it is correctly and carefully labeled. In this way an accurate diagnosis can be made. Phlebotomists are skilled in the proper handling and safety precautions to be taken with blood samples after drawing it for testing.
Work Environment
Location of employment varies, and decides the work environment of a Phlebotomist. Typically he or she will work in a Physician’s office setting. Hospital room, emergency room and health clinics are other settings where Phlebotomists work drawing blood. Most of the time patients visit the Phlebotomist in an office setting for blood drawing but sometime Phlebotomists needs to come to the patient to draw blood for a test. There are patients who need the assistance of a Phlebotomist on a regular basis, as they have many chronic conditions and need routine testing of blood for monitoring and medication. During phlebotomy training programs, an individual is taught to practice caution when he or she makes contact with bodily fluids to prevent contamination.
Certification
Many states require certification in phlebotomy to practice; The National Phlebotomy Association and the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians is the board that provides this certification. Though, the guidelines for phlebotomy certification differ from one organization to the other both demand a certain amount of work experience and membership in one of the certifying organizations. Additionally, certified phlebotomists must renew their certification on an annual basis and attend continuing education classes to maintain their certification. Blood contamination, patient injury, venipuncture related to lawsuits and other similar subjects are some of the study topics available through continuing education.
Author Bio:
Ricky Martin is a professional guest blogger specially writes on education and career space. He has written many interesting and informative posts on career related topics. In above post he is expressing his views about Phlebotomy Career.
