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A phlebotomy technician is one that’s incharge of drawing quality blood samples from patients or from blood donors and they are likewise the ones who will prepare the specimens needed for medical testing. There are a lot of people who have phobias with needles and giving blood, which in fact is the most difficult part for them. The phlebotomy technician is in fact the one that will create the atmosphere where they will be able to gain the trust as well as confidence of their patient while they are going to draw the blood specimens in a safe, reliable and skillful way.
Responsibilities
It is very important that the phlebotomy technician likes challenges as well as responsibilities. The technician should likewise be accurate, can work under pressure and needs to have good communication skills. This is essential because they will be working directly with patients, they need to also take note and relay any important information that they have acquired through the interactions to the doctors, laboratory professionals and the nurses.
The phlebotomy technicians are responsible for different things like:
Explain procedures towards patients
Draw the blood and apply pressure or bandages once that the blood is drawn
Taking the patient’s blood pressure, pulse readings and respiration
Do updates on the record of the patients
Clean and sterilize equipments
Send samples of blood, urine and fecal samples for lab testing
Phlebotomy technicians also work in hospitals, donation facilities, laboratories and other health care setting to where the blood is taken and is analyzed. There are some technicians that travels and call patients that are homebound. Those that work in hospitals or laboratories and operates continuously, technicians usually work day or evening shifts and possibly work on weekends or holidays. Technicians that are working in small facilities works with rotating shifts. There are also those that takes emergency calls.
Accredited phlebotomy programs usually takes about a semester up to a year for completion. Hands-on training likewise includes blood drawing procedures. Their programs also cover lab equipment handling skills, the right methods in cleaning spills and in prevent infection and physical harm. There are also some programs which includes CPR certification.
Though certification is only optional, it is however highly recommended because most of the employers will need it. A certified phlebotomy technician must acquire continuing education or complete a certification management program for them to maintain their status. The phlebotomy technician may also improve their employability through becoming certified as a Donor Phlebotomy Technician (DPT), which will help them to qualify in blood collection centers. Being able to master the skills in phlebotomy may lead to a career on nursing or on other related health paths.