Phlebotomy is the process of making an incision in a vein with a needle. The procedure itself
is known as a venipuncture. A person who performs phlebotomy has the title "Phlebotomist", although
doctors, nurses, medical laboratory scientists and others do portions of phlebotomy procedures
in many countries.
Phlebotomists Phlebotomists are people trained to draw blood
from a patient for clinical or medical testing, transfusions, donations, or research. Phlebotomists
collect blood primarily by performing venipunctures,. Blood may be collected from infants by means
of a heel stick. The duties of a phlebotomist may include properly identifying the patient,
interpreting the tests requested on the requisition, drawing blood into the correct tubes with
the proper additives, accurately explaining the procedure to the patients, preparing patients
accordingly, practicing the required forms of asepsis, practicing standard and universal
precautions, performing the skin/vein puncture, withdrawing blood into containers or tubes,
restoring hemostasis of the puncture site, instructing patients on post-puncture care,
ordering tests per the doctor's requisition, affixing tubes with electronically printed
labels, and delivering specimens to a laboratory. Some countries and districts/states require
phlebotomy personnel to be licensed or registered: Australia
In Australia, there are a number of courses in phlebotomy offered by educational institutions,
but training is typically provided on the job. The minimum primary qualification for
phlebotomists in Australia is a Certificate III in Pathology HLT 32607 or a Certificate
IV in Pathology HLT41807; current senior first aid certification must be included.
United Kingdom In the UK there is no requirement for holding
a formal qualification or certification prior to becoming a phlebotomist as training is
usually provided on the job. The NHS offers training with formal certification upon completion.
United States Special state certification in the United
States is required only in four states: California, Washington, Nevada, and Louisiana. A phlebotomist
can become nationally certified through many different organizations. However, California
currently only accepts national certificates from six agencies. These include: American
Certification Agency, American Medical Technologists, American Society for Clinical Pathology, National
Center for Competency Testing/Multi-skilled Medical Certification Institute, National
Credentialing Agency, National Healthcareer Association, and National Phlebotomy Continuing
Education. These and other agencies also certify phlebotomists outside the state of California.
In order to qualify to sit for an examination, candidates must complete of a full phlebotomy
course and provide documentation of clinical or laboratory experience.
History
Early "Phlebotomists" used techniques such as leeches to extract blood from the body.
It was used as a healing process, thought to remove toxins from the blood stream.
See also Cytotechnologist
Medical technologist Venipuncture
References ^ Jeon BR, Seo M, Lee YW, Shin HB, Lee SH,
Lee YK. "Improving the blood collection process using the active-phlebotomist phlebotomy system".
Clinical Laboratory 57: 21–7. PMID 21391461. ^ http:www.aims.org.auitem/246
^ http:www.nhscareers.nhs.ukwider-healthcare-teamclinical-support-staff