Which phase is most important for the phlebotomist?
Learn the procedures, steps, risks, and requirements for performing phlebotomy. Show
Drawing a blood sample may not be the highlight of a medical worker’s day and it certainly isn’t one for the patient, either. However, phlebotomy is more than essential to patient care. Mastering this skill will lead to a much better experience for healthcare practitioners as well as their patients. Venipuncture is a vital practice for a number of medical diagnoses, procedures, and tests. This essential skill can be exciting for new healthcare professionals. It can be very beneficial for Medical Assistants to learn the proper method of drawing blood in a healthcare environment. This article focuses on the art and science of phlebotomy, one of the most important healthcare procedures for medical staff. (Click here to see our full list of Medical Assisting duties and responsibilities). Phlebotomy DefinitionWhat is Phlebotomy?Phlebotomy is the process of drawing blood intravenously from a patient. Phlebotomy is typically conducted by inserting a hollow needle into a patient’s vein to collect blood samples for laboratory testing. In most cases, healthcare professionals draw blood from a vein inside the patient’s forearm or the back of their hand. Phlebotomy can be performed by nurses, medical laboratory scientists, medical practitioners, phlebotomists, dialysis technicians, and other staff. What is the Purpose of Phlebotomy?Phlebotomy is a standard procedure that’s usually performed for one of the following reasons:
How Long Does it Take to Perform Phlebotomy?According to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Medicine, it takes about 10 seconds or less to collect blood for one tube. The average time to acquire blood for three tubes was between 26 and 44 seconds. When you consider some of the preliminary steps for phlebotomy —collecting supplies, verifying information, preparing the patient, etc.—the entire process may take anywhere from five to ten minutes. Who Can Perform Phlebotomy?Phlebotomy is typically performed by a variety of different healthcare professionals, including medical laboratory scientists, medical practitioners, phlebotomists, dialysis technicians, and other nursing staff. Some EMTs and paramedics may also perform venipuncture, and in veterinary medicine, the procedure is usually performed by veterinarians or veterinary technicians. Depending on the location (i.e. state of employment), employer, and experience level, Medical Assistants can also draw blood with the proper training. It’s important to remember that a Medical Assistant can only draw blood under a physician’s order and as permitted by state law. (Click here to learn how to become a Medical Assistant). Training Requirements for PhlebotomyPhlebotomy requirements often vary and will depend on your location and profession. For instance, in all but four states, phlebotomists aren’t required to obtain a phlebotomy certificate or license to draw blood. Don’t worry, though; most employers will only hire phlebotomists with valid certifications or diplomas. Some people have years of phlebotomy experience but have never passed a phlebotomy program. When it comes to phlebotomy training, many programs in your chosen profession will likely include some component of phlebotomy. For example, at Unitek College, students in our Medical Assisting program must demonstrate the application of adult and pediatric phlebotomy, venipuncture, and capillary blood collection. Phlebotomy ProcedureWith these steps, you can start to learn more about the process of phlebotomy. Like any other skill, phlebotomy requires time and practice to get it right. Try not to feel disheartened if you don’t get it right the first time. And don’t hesitate to ask for help. Phlebotomy PrepHave your supplies ready! Once you know the blood draw site, you’ll want to gather the necessary supplies. Some healthcare facilities have pre-made kits, while others will require you to retrieve the kit yourself. It’s a good idea to take an extra set of supplies into the exam room as you might need to perform more than one procedure. Phlebotomy StepsHere are some of the general guidelines you should follow when performing phlebotomy on adults or children:
RecoveryMedical professionals can stem the blood by holding a cotton swab to the puncture site. They should also apply a bandage or secure the cotton swab with tape. After the procedure, it’s recommended that the patient drink water and eat something. If they feel dizzy or experience any other uncommon symptoms, they must tell someone right away. Necessary Equipment for PhlebotomyTypically, the suggested supplies for phlebotomy include the following items:
Potential Risks or Complications of PhlebotomyThe following are some of the potential risks or complications that you may face when performing Phlebotomy on patients:
Pro Tips for Mastering the Art of PhlebotomySome of the most basic phlebotomy tips involve planning ahead, using an appropriate location, and ensuring there’s quality control. Here are other pro tips that may assist you in the future.
Why Should Medical Assistants Learn Phlebotomy?Without the proper blood samples to accurately diagnose our health, we could all suffer from a host of dangers, including treatment errors or the lack of proper medical attention to undiagnosed illnesses or conditions. Even though many hospitals employ phlebotomy teams, it can be very beneficial for some Medical Assistants to learn these skills. This is because phlebotomy teams typically make rounds at specific times in most hospital settings. For example, if a doctor orders an immediate lab test, the responsibility could fall to the nurses or Medical Assistants on duty. While phlebotomy isn’t a job requirement in every doctor’s office, it is a valuable skill that leads to greater opportunities. It would be advantageous for MAs or aspiring Medical Assistants to seek phlebotomy certification. Once they are certified, an MA would likely become more indispensable to their employer and enrich their career. Start Your Career in Medical AssistingPhlebotomy is truly a crucial skill that aspiring Medical Assistants should consider learning for their careers. It’s also an essential medical practice for several diagnoses, tests, blood transfusions, donations, and other routine procedures. Think about it: Without the proper blood samples to accurately diagnose our health, we could all suffer from a host of dangers, including treatment errors or the lack of proper medical attention to undiagnosed illnesses or conditions. If you’re feeling inspired and would like to pursue a career in medicine, Unitek College offers various healthcare programs, such as our Medical Assisting program. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and tuition assistance options. Take the first step toward a rewarding future in healthcare! What is the most important thing in phlebotomy?Compassion. A Phlebotomist's primary duty is drawing blood. Because some patients or clients are afraid of having their blood drawn, it is especially important that Phlebotomists are caring and understanding while performing their duties in order to make the patient feel as comfortable and at ease as possible.
What is the most crucial step for the phlebotomist in specimen collection?Patient ID, the process of verifying a patient's iden- tity, is the most important step in specimen collection. Obtaining a specimen from the wrong patient can have serious, even fatal, consequences, especially specimens for type and cross-match prior to blood transfusion.
What are the three phases of laboratory testing which phases should the phlebotomist really focus on?Total testing process in the laboratory is a cyclical process divided into three phases: preanalytical, analytical and postanalytical.
What is the first step in the identification process phlebotomy?A phlebotomist must have a professional, courteous, and understanding manner in all contact with all patients. The first step to the collection is to positively identify the patient by two forms of identification; ask the patient to state and spell his/her name and give you his/her birth date.
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