- In most states, phlebotomists are unlicensed health care professionals who work as part of a clinical laboratory team. Phlebotomists typically work under the supervision of medical technologists, laboratory managers, and sometimes nursing staff. The primary duties of a phlebotomist include obtaining lab specimens requested by a physician or other licensed health care providers by drawing blood and collecting urine or stool specimens for testing in clinical laboratories. In some states, phlebotomists are also authorized to administer heparin or saline flushes. Although doctors, nurses, medical assistants and other professionals in the field of allied health can draw blood from patients, the increasing use of phlebotomists in clinical settings helps to reduce the workload of these other professionals, freeing up their time for more complex patient care. Phlebotomists collect blood by performing venipuncture or fingersticks.
- A phlebotomist is responsible for assembling the equipment required to collect the samples for specified lab tests. After applying a tourniquet to the patient's arm, a vein must be located and the puncture area swabbed with antiseptic before inserting the needle into the vein. Blood is then drawn into a collection tube. When the needle is withdrawn, pressure is applied immediately to the puncture site. Finally, the collection tube is labeled for processing. Throughout the procedure, the phlebotomist is required to follow the necessary safety precautions to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases. Phlebotomists are also responsible for entering patient information into a computer database.
- If a phlebotomist is not able to identify a vein in the crook of the elbow, the patient may be asked to clench his fist to make the vein more prominent. While the elbow area is a preferred puncture site, blood can be drawn from the wrist, hand or foot. A phlebotomist must be able to properly puncture a vein to draw blood; therefore, if she has difficulty reaching the vein, another phlebotomist may be asked to step in to complete the procedure. Sometimes a phlebotomist may have to perform more than one needlestick before drawing blood. This often is the case with patients undergoing chemotherapy, whose veins become scarred from frequent venipunctures. The phlebotomist may ask a patient who has a tendency to feel lightheaded or faint to lie down while blood is being drawn.
- Phlebotomists often engage in pleasant conversation to calm a nervous individual by taking the person's mind off the procedure. Phlebotomy requires more than being skilled at drawing blood. The phlebotomist must have a talent for putting people at ease; therefore, he must be able to interact well with others. Being patient and gentle are personal qualities of a phlebotomist, which help to encourage confidence in overly anxious patients.
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LuLu08 said
on 2/10/2009 The Crook of the elbow is called the Anticubital Area and we are no longer allowed to draw from the wrist. And Humor is the best antidote for nervousness