Phlebotomist

Education Requirements:
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
Completion of a formal Phlebotomy Technician training program is preferred. Click here for more information Certifications:
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certificate
Salary Range:
Average starting wage: $14.72 per hour
Educational Institutions:
Employment Outlook:
Good
Job Overview:
Phlebotomists collect blood for donation or for testing, so the blood can be analyzed in a clinical laboratory. Blood tests are used to diagnose illness, evaluate the effectiveness of medications and determine whether a patient is receiving proper nutrition. Phlebotomists are trained to draw blood from a patient [mostly from veins] for clinical or medical testing, transfusions, donations, or research. If a smaller quantity of blood is needed, phlebotomists can draw blood using a finger stick process.
Some people get anxious or nauseous when they give blood. Phlebotomists try to help them relax and feel comfortable. They explain the process to patients and try to distract them with small talk.
The most common way to draw blood is venipuncture. This involves taking blood from a vein. The phlebotomist ties a tourniquet around the patient's arm. He or she looks for a good vein, and then sterilizes the area. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is drawn into a bag or tube. The phlebotomist then takes out the needle and, if needed, puts a bandage on the patient's arm.
Job Tasks:
- Match laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes.
- Draw blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.
- Dispose of blood or other biohazard fluids or tissue, in accordance with applicable laws, standards or policies.
- Draw blood from capillaries by dermal puncture, such as heel or finger stick methods.
- Dispose of contaminated sharps in accordance with applicable laws, standards or policies.
- Organize or clean blood-drawing trays ensuring that all instruments are sterile, and all needles, syringes, or related items are of first-time use.
Skills and Abilities Needed to Perform Job:
- Knowledge of medical software (MEDITECH; Medical procedure coding software)
- Knowledge of use of Microsoft programs (Word, Excel, Office and Outlook)
- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.
- Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems.
- Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules, composition and grammar.
- Near Vision – Ability to see details at close range.
- Arm-Hand Steadiness – Ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
- Deductive Reasoning – Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Problem Sensitivity – Ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Desired Work Style Attributes:
- Attention to details
- Integrity – Honest and ethical
- Dependability – Reliable and responsible
- Cooperation – Pleasant with others
- Stress Tolerance – Accepting criticism and dealing calmly in stressful situations
- Self-Control – Maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check
- Concern for Others – Sensitive to needs of others