Phlebotomy Technician

Simply put, a phlebotomy technician draws quality blood samples from patients or blood donors and prepares those specimens for medical testing. Many patients have phobias when it comes to blood and needles, and giving blood can be the most difficult part of an office visit. The phlebotomy technician must create an atmosphere of trust and confidence with patients while drawing blood specimens in a skillful, safe and reliable manner.

While it's not a career for just anyone, working as a phlebotomy technician has proven to be meaningful and rewarding for those who want to conduct lab work as well as have direct contact with patients. The field can also be entered into quickly: many formal training programs last only six to eight months.

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Typically, phlebotomy technicians are responsible for the following:

• Explaining procedures to patients
• Drawing blood and applying pressure or bandages after blood is drawn
• Taking blood pressure, pulse and respiration readings
• Updating patient records
• Preparing stains and reagents
• Cleaning and sterilizing equipment
• Sending blood, urine and fecal samples to the lab for testing

Phlebotomy technicians must like challenge and responsibility. They must also be accurate, work well under pressure and communicate effectively. Because they work directly with patients, they must notice and relay any important information gained during interactions to doctors, nurses and laboratory professionals.

It's important to remember that every time a phlebotomy technician draws blood or sends out lab samples, they are creating that patient's blood history. That essential part of the patient's health profile will be in their record for a lifetime.

Workplace

Phlebotomy technicians work in hospitals, laboratories, physician's offices, donation facilities and other health care settings where blood is taken and analyzed. Some technicians travel to call on patients who are homebound. Much work time is spent standing and walking, and they must be comfortable both in the calm, clinical laboratory setting, as well as interacting with patients who are often stressed by the procedure.

In large hospitals or in independent laboratories that operate continuously, technicians usually work the day, evening or night shift and may work on weekends or holidays. Technicians in smaller facilities may work rotating shifts. Some take emergency calls several nights a week or on weekends.

Education and Training

Accredited phlebotomy programs usually take from one semester to one year to complete, culminating in a certificate or diploma. Coursework generally includes anatomy and physiology, blood and cell composition, blood sampling procedures and laboratory safety. Hands-on training includes various methods of drawing blood. Students will learn basic venipuncture techniques, butterfly techniques commonly used for the elderly and children with small veins, fingerstick methods for people with damaged or hard-to-find veins, and healstick or capillary puncture for newborns. Programs will also cover lab equipment handling skills and proper methods to clean up spills to prevent infection and physical harm. Some programs also include CPR certification.

To prepare for a career as a phlebotomy technician, one should take high-school courses in science and math.

Licensing and Certification

Certification is optional but highly recommended. Most employers require it. The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), American Medical Technologists and the American Society for Phlebotomy Technicians offer testing that awards the title Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) or Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) to those who pass. Certified phlebotomy technicians must obtain continuing education credits or complete certification management programs to maintain their status.

Phlebotomy technicians can enhance their employability by becoming certified as Donor Phlebotomy Technicians (DPT), qualifying them to work in blood collection centers.