This vein should be clearly visible before applying the tourniquet, Finally, apply the tourniquet 3 to 4 inches above the, Cleanse the site with a 70% alcohol swab by starting from the center of the venipuncture site and working outwards, covering roughly 2-4cms. Following is everything you need to know about a career as a phlebotomist with lots of details. Hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, blood donor centers, and other locations will need phlebotomists to perform bloodwork. PHLEBIO is the only software that is specifically designed for the mobile blood draw and specimen collection services. Typically, this will include (but, not limited to): Once you have the necessary supplies, it's time to ready the patient. Be sure to do this before removing the needle from the vein. In the even that blood has spilled during the procedure or during transportation, follow these procedures: Share this page as an infographic! Phlebotomists also collect blood from donors for those in need of blood transfusions. Depending on workplace procedure, you may be able to clean hands with alcohol rub if they are not visibly contaminated. You can schedule blood draw services directly online, anywhere in … Perform a check on your patient by asking how they feel and checking the insertion site to confirm it's not bleeding. Once the blood has been collected, first release the tourniquet. The role of a Phlebotomist is to not only perform the blood draw procedure, but to also prepare the blood for medical testing, transfusions or donation. It is vital that the samples are not contaminated or tainted in any way, and should be handled in such a way that quality and accuracy of the analysis is not compromised. In medical and diagnostic laboratories, patient interaction is sometimes only with the phlebotomist. Proper hygiene is essential to safely performing venipuncture. If a warm compress is not available, try immersing the limb in warm water. The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), National Healthcareer Association (NHA), the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), the National Phlebotomy Association, and the American Medical Technologists (AMT) offer Phlebotomy Technician certifications. Phlebotomists must draw the correct vials of blood for the tests ordered, track vials of blood, and enter data into a database. Phlebotomists who work in hospitals and labs may need to work nights, weekends, and holidays. Update: Draws From Mastectomy Patients. Medical laboratory technologists (commonly known as medical laboratory scientists) and medical laboratory technicians collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances. As a patient, you might have your blood drawn in the hospital, your doctor’s office, or a private lab. These programs usually take less than 1 year to complete and lead to a certificate. The stick you've all been waiting for....ME using a "Butterfly" (smile)I woke up and this video was STILL being PROCESSED!!!!!! Take note of signs behind the patient's bed or on the patient's chart. Perform venipuncture using the following steps: Important: Be sure to follow the correct order of draw to avoid cross-contamination of additives. Have the patient ball up their hand (form a fist). Injuries may occur if they are not careful with medical equipment. Today's lesson is all about phlebotomy! Phlebotomists typically enter the occupation with a postsecondary nondegree award from a phlebotomy program. After cleaning your hands you may now put on non-sterile gloves. It’s considered an entry-level job, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Pierce the tube stopper with the needle applying gentle and steady pressure. The median annual wage for phlebotomists is $35,510. It's important to disinfect the site before drawing blood to reduce the chances of contamination. Be careful to NOT press the syringe plunger to reduce the risk of hemolysis. Thank the patient and let them know that the procedure is now completed. Collect all of the equipment which is needed for the procedure and then place it within easy and... Identify and Prepare the Patient. Phlebotomists typically enter the occupation with a postsecondary nondegree award from a phlebotomy program. Tip: Download and print our PDF version to use as a handy study guide or hang it in your work space as a quick reference! Phlebotomists are on their feet for long periods, and must continue to take accurate blood samples throughout their workday. Place the collected samples into a plastic sealed and leak-proof bag for transportation. 3,804 Phlebotomist Blood Draw jobs available on Indeed.com. Requirements vary by certifying organization. Learning how to draw blood is essential to becoming a phlebotomist. In order to avoid causing infection or other complications, phlebotomists must keep their work area and instruments clean and sanitary. Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Observe any patient precautions. Almost all employers look for phlebotomists who have earned professional certification. This fun and informative guide details the step-by-step process of taking a blood sample and makes a great reference for students and seasoned professionals alike. Some patients or clients are afraid of having their blood drawn, so phlebotomists should be caring in performing their duties. What Does a Phlebotomy Technician Do? Find schools for Phlebotomists near you! Phlebotomist. Certification testing usually includes a written exam and may include practical components, such as drawing blood. How to Become One: Phlebotomists typically enter the occupation with a postsecondary nondegree award from a phlebotomy program. Ask the patient to extend their arm and place a clean towel or paper underneath. Career Profiles and Employment Projections, Phlebotomists: Jobs, Career, Salary and Education Information, Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians, Medical Records and Health Information Technicians, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers, Draw blood from patients and blood donors, Talk with patients and donors to help them feel less nervous about having their blood drawn, Verify a patient's or donor's identity to ensure proper labeling of the blood, Label the drawn blood for testing or processing, Enter patient information into a database, Assemble and maintain medical instruments such as needles, test tubes, and blood vials. Phlebotomists hold about 132,600 jobs. Be sure to wash hands with soap and water and dry with a clean, single-use towel. Depending on where they work, phlebotomists may see a specific age group more than any other. Nurses and other medical professionals can … Clean the area with a 1:10 dilution of a 5.25% chlorine bleach to water solution. When the patient is a conscious adult, follow the steps outlined below. Puncture the vein quickly and at a 30 degree angle or less. © 2011-2021 Phlebotomy Coach. Have the patient hold the gauze or cotton on the site with their arm extended. If the tube does not have a rubber stopper, inject the blood slowly into the tube to minimize pressure and again to reduce the chances of hemolysis. Prepping The Patient. Be sure to place the tube into a rack before filling. All rights reserved. Hand-eye coordination. Phlebotomy is when someone uses a needle to take blood from a vein, usually in your arm. $17.89. Apply to Phlebotomist, Mobile Phlebotomist, Health Screener and more! Baecher says that the only difference is that nurses draw blood directly from a vein whereas phlebotomists draw indirectly with a tube. Their duties vary with the location, specialty, and size of the practice. Phlebotomy is the process of making a puncture in a vein usually in the arm, with a cannula, for the purpose of drawing blood.The procedure itself is known as a venipuncture, which is also used for intravenous therapy.A person who performs a phlebotomy is called a phlebotomist, although most doctors, nurses, and other technicians can also carry out a phlebotomy. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Phlebotomy technicians assist patients with the collection of blood and other clinical specimens. For surfaces that won't tolerate a strong bleach, use a 1:100 dilution of 5.25% bleach solution. Job Outlook: Employment of phlebotomists is projected to grow 17 percent over the next ten years, much faster than the average for all occupations. Look for a visible, good-sized vein, which will typically be the median cubital vein. Put on gloves (You may even need an apron or gown if the spill is large). It can take months of training to become a phlebotomist. Over the course of the study, the team observed 120 venipunctures on patients ages three to 14 years. Some phlebotomists enter the occupation with a high school diploma and are trained to be a phlebotomist on the job. Tip: Use alcohol to disinfect the site instead of povidone iodine to reduce the chances of false lab test results. In case there are multiple sample tubes, place the tubes in a rack to avoid any breakage and cross-contamination. First, introduce yourself and ask for the patient's full name. Insert the needle at a 15 to 30-degree angle into the vessel. Veterinary technologists and technicians perform medical tests under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian to assist in diagnosing the injuries and illnesses of animals. Phlebotomists are responsible for drawing blood from patients for different reasons. It also covers proper care and handling of the specimen that will be used for laboratory testing or analysis. They also may review and edit medical documents created using speech recognition technology. Once you have the necessary supplies, it's time to ready … CHECK OUT MY LATEST VIDEO: https://youtu.be/omTkd3WK3lwAlright girls and boys! Dexterity. The link will open in a new tab so that you can come back to this page to continue reading about the career: The Lab Assistant - Phlebotomist collects blood specimens for laboratory tests on inpatients and outpatients by venipuncture or capillary puncture technique. If both measures fail, try illuminating the vein by placing a torch under the limb. Slowly withdraw the needle and gently apply pressure to the puncture site with a clean gauze or cotton ball. Certification programs involve classroom sessions and laboratory work, and they include instruction in anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology. 2015.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK138665/. Some of them explain their work to patients and provide assistance if patients have adverse reactions after their blood is drawn. Double check that the patient's name matches the name on the lab form. Phlebotomists typically do the following: Phlebotomists primarily draw blood, which is then used for different kinds of medical laboratory testing. With the patient's arm extended, inspect the antecubital fossa. Place any forms in an outside pocket or compartment to reduce the risk of contamination.