Understanding the Professional Background of a Phlebotomy Technician
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. A lot of patients are actually afraid or have phobias with blood and needles and giving blood would be 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.
Job Responsibilities
It is very important that the phlebotomy technician likes challenges as well as responsibilities. Also, the technician has to be accurate, can work under pressure and they need to have good communication skills. This is very important because they are going to work directly with patients, they also have to take note and relay important information towards doctors, nurses and laboratory professionals.
The technician likewise is responsible on various important things like:
Explain procedures towards patients
Drawing the blood and apply pressure and bandages once that the blood is drawn
Take blood pressures, respiration and pulse readings
Do updates on the record of the patients
Clean and sterilize equipments
Send samples of blood, urine and fecal samples for lab testing
The phlebotomy technician likewise work in hospitals, laboratories, donation facilities as well as other health care setting where the blood will be taken and analyzed. There are also technicians that travels and call patients who 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 some who also take emergency calls.
An accredited phlebotomy program mostly takes about one semester to a year to complete. The hands-on training also include blood drawing procedures. These programs likewise cover lab equipment handling skills and appropriate methods for cleaning spills, prevents infection as well as 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. Certified phlebotomy technicians should also get a continuing education or to complete certification management programs so they are able 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.