Phlebotomy Technician Overview

Phlebotomy Technician Overview

A phlebotomy technician is a healthcare professional that is responsible for drawing blood from patients and preparing it for further medical testing. Phlebotomy technicians are primarily stationed in doctor’s offices or hospitals, and will routinely work directly with patients and families. Because some patients have a fear of needles or blood, it is important for the technician to develop a sense of confidence and trust with the patient. Some states require a technician to be licensed or registered, while others do not. Because of the nature of the job, excellent communication skills are required to thoroughly explain procedures to patients. The average salary of a starting phlebotomy technician is $36,400. Phlebotomy technician certification is relatively cheap compared to other medical professions.

Certification for phlebotomy technician certification is done through the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT). The cost to take the certification exam is $55. It is common for registered nurses to start out in phlebotomy in order to gain their training in the field up front before pursuing their chosen careers, mainly because phlebotomy is a requirement in many nursing professions.

Job Description:

The activities of a phlebotomy technician are primarily hands-on, with the exception of tasks such as analyzing specimens and other computer automation. But, for the most part, their job involves physical duties more so than mental. The amount of responsibility a phlebotomist has is based primarily on the amount of education and experience they possess. Salary is typically based on the same factors, as well.

Here are some of the examples of tasks performed by a phlebotomy technician:

– Assembles the tools/equipment necessary for the procedure. This involves blood collection devices, needles, alcohol, gauze and bandages, tourniquet, etc. Usually these are assembled on a work tray on a per-patient basis.

– Verify the identity of the patient and confirm medical records are correct. Maintains a sense of comfort with the patient to instill an environment of trust.

– Responsible for locating the vein and swabbing with disinfectant, then withdrawing the blood into a collection tube or bag.

– Once the blood is drawn, the tech will then treat the punctured area and label and record the sample collected.

– Other duties can include pricking the finger to draw blood, taking vital signs, interviewing patients, withdrawing test samples to screen donors at a blood bank, etc.

As you can see, a phlebotomy technician is required to learn a specialized skill and master it. Handling blood at a hospital or doctor’s office is not taken lightly, and can be very dangerous if not performed properly. A phlebotomy certification can help with training and career progress as long as the employee is willing to take the necessary steps and put in the effort to get there.

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