About the Profession

Phlebotomy Technician (phlebotomist) is an integral member of the medical laboratory team whose primary function is the collection of blood samples from patients by venipuncture or microtechniques. The phlebotomy technician facilitates the collection and transportation of laboratory specimens, and is often the patient’s only contact with the medical laboratory. The need to assure quality and patient safety mandates strict professional behavior and standards of practice for these practitioners.

The primary function of a phlebotomy technician is to obtain patient blood specimens by venipuncture or microtechniques. The phlebotomy technician aids in the collection and transportation of other laboratory specimens, and may be involved with patient data entry. A phlebotomy technician also draws blood for transfusions, donations and research.

Phlebotomy technicians must like challenge and responsibility. They must be accurate, work well under pressure, and communicate effectively. They must be able to deal with patients and be able to calm patients. Safety is key, and all safety precautions must be taken to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.

Duties differ by doctor office, hospital and laboratory, but in general, phlebotomy technicians should be able to:

• Draw blood from patients or donors in hospitals, blood banks, clinics, doctor offices, laboratories or similar facility for medical purposes
• Assemble equipment (such as needles, blood collection devices, gauze, tourniquet, cotton, and alcohol)
• Verify or record identity of patient or donor
• Converse with patients to allay fear of procedure
• Apply tourniquet to arm, locates vein, swabs area with disinfectant, and insert needle into vein to draw blood into collection tube. (May also prick finger instead of inserting needle.)
• Label and store blood container for processing
• Conduct interview, take vital signs and test blood samples to screen donors at a blood bank.
• Analyze information and make appropriate recommendations

Working Conditions

Phlebotomy technicians deal with the public on a daily basis and must be neat and well groomed. Their working conditions are in well-lighted and very clean environments.