phlebotomy technician

If you like challenges, responsibility, and work well under pressure then a career as a phlebotomy technician (phlebotomist) could be for you. A phlebotomy technician is an integral member of the medical laboratory team.

The primary function of phlebotomy technicians is the collection of blood samples from patients by venipuncture or micro-technicques for analysis, donation, transfusions, and research. The phlebotomy technician facilitates the collection and transportation of laboratory specimens, and is often the patient's only contact with the medical laboratory.  The need to assure quality and patient safety mandates strict professional behavior and standards of practice.  Safety is key and all safety precautions must be taken to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.
While duties differ by doctor office, hospital, and laboratory, some of the duties performed by a phlebotomist include:

• Drawing blood from patients or donors in hospitals, blood banks, clinics, doctor offices, laboratories or similar facilities for medical purposes 
• Assembling equipment (such as needles, blood collection devices, gauze, tourniquet, cotton, and alcohol) 
• Verifying records that identify a patient and communicating with patients 
• Labeling and storing blood containers for processing 
• May conduct interview, take vital signs and test blood samples to screen donors at a blood bank 
• Be able to analyze information and make appropriate recommendations