Phlebotomist, Analyze and Draw Blood
Many people would ask what phlebotomists usually do? Phlebotomists draw blood from the patients for analysis. The most basic method of doing blood collection is through venipuncture. Phlebotomists do not analyze these samples nor administer injections. After blood collection, phlebotomists must then label the specimens clearly and documents it. The main responsibility of the phlebotomists is to do blood collection and record keeping but their duties are not only limited to these activities.
These phlebotomists and the patients are always at risk of blood borne diseases and other communicable diseases. With this, it is important for them to wear latex gloves, head caps and gowns and more importantly face masks. But the most significant thing that they need to do is to follow safety guidelines to ensure their patients safety as well as their own. The tools and equipments used by phlebotomists require specific handling and disposal. During the whole training, a thorough understanding of these standards and procedures is demonstrated. There are four major agencies that offer a phlebotomy certification. Though some states may not require a certification, other people prefer to have it since it will give them an edge when looking for a job.
How can one become a phlebotomist? Becoming a phlebotomist varies from one school to another but having a hi8gh school education is the most basic requirement. A lot of programs are being offered in colleges and vocational schools. All of these programs will prepare them for all of their duties and responsibilities that they may encounter on the workplace. Students will be having both classroom and hands on training on blood collection and storage. Phlebotomy students will be taking up subjects on anatomy and physiology and more importantly on first aid and CPR. These programs will also prepare the students for the national certification exam. It is not possible for you to pass the exam if you are not equipped with all the knowledge that you needed.
Phlebotomists also work with different people from infants up to the elderly. A lot of people are not comfortable having their blood drawn and it is the phlebotomist job to keep these patients at ease. These professionals are also working in direct communication with the patients and also with other members of the health care team so it is important for them to have good interpersonal skills. Phlebotomists are also responsible for handling phone calls, scheduling appointments and delivering specimens. These professionals also work 40 hours a week for five days as may work in different working shifts. Their job does not require a large amount of physical activity but is spent more on walking and standing compared to another works that requires heavy lifting,
The phlebotomist’s salary depends on the level of experiences, education, location of the employment and the geographic location. The salary also differs from one state to another. If one has supervisory positions for phlebotomists it starts around $35,000. The earnings of these phlebotomists vary like in physician offices, these phlebotomists earn $30,000.