Sticking It to You

I have blood work done often, about every six months or so.  I don’t find the experience especially something I like doing because my veins don’t always cooperate.  If I can find a good phlebotomist that doesn’t use a square needle, I’m usually a happy camper.  I did wonder, though, what kind of training you would need to stick a needle in someone’s arm to draw out blood.  So I did a little investigating.

Just what are phlebotomists anyways?  What do they do?  These are people who are trained in drawing blood and analyzing it for detection, diagnosis and treatment of diseases.  They perform a serious of chemical, biological, microscopic and bacteriological tests on the bloo and provide an accurate diagnosis.  Different jobs include collection and preservation of the blood samples and body fluids for the purpose of analysis.

I learned that the future phlebotomists had to complete training or a certification course.  Some community colleges and technical schools offer this course that can be completed in four to six months.  If you wanted to complete an associate degree in phlebotomy, that can take up to two years.  Some employers prefer applicants who have an associate degree over a certification so that is something you might want to think about.

I also found out that just drawing blood isn’t the only thing that phlebotomy techs do, they also

*verify medical records

*obtain blood samples through venipuncture and micro collection

*conduct patient interviews and obtain medical history

*prepare blood specimens for laboratory analysis

Since the collection of blood can have a high risk factor because of infectious disease such as AIDS and hepatitis, phlebotomy techs follow strict procedures for testing accuracy and safety.  A phlebotomist also has to know medical terminology, custody forms and the drug screening process.

There are a variety of places that you can find a job as a phlebotomy technician such as hospitals, medical and diagnostic labs, physician offices, public health agencies, community health clinics and blood banks.  This profession offers flexible working hours and a good working environment.  It provides an opportunity to develop interpersonal skills and work adaptability because phlebotomists interact directly with the patients in various places such as clinics, hospitals, laboratories, physician office and other health care facilities. Being able to establish excellent rapport with patients and colleagues is a definite benefit on your side.

A phlebotomists’ earnings correspond to their work experience and level of skills.  If you continue your education and take credentialing exams to keep your skills up to date, it can advance your career as well as give you a pay hike. You have to be in touch with what is going on in your field.  According to the Department of Labor, the top paying states for a clinical laboratory technician are Rhode Island, Washington Dc, Connecticut and Delaware.

So if you don’t faint at the sight of blood, have great interpersonal skills, would enjoy working in the medical field and like to be around people, maybe you should give the field of phlebotomy a try!

Are you a phlebotomist? What advice would you give to people who would like this career?