Phlebotomists are specially trained medical professionals that typically work in hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, and blood banks. There are numerous job opportunities for people with phlebotomy certification and the career is one of the fastest growing in the industry today, and for many it can be a great opportunity to get a start in the medical world. Here, we will look at the primary job duties of phlebotomists in various career settings.

What Do Phlebotomists Do?

The primary role of a phlebotomist is to draw blood, which is typically done through venal puncture. Specially trained phlebotomists may also be able to draw blood through arteries as well as to give injections, administer IV medications, and set up intravenous lines.  Phlebotomists with these certifications are often highly sought after and can command a significantly higher rate of pay than limited phlebotomists.

Of course, drawing blood is not the only role that a phlebotomist plays in a clinical or hospital environment. These professionals are responsible for helping to establish and maintain rapport with patients and are expected to help patients understand what is being done and to help alleviate stress and anxiety regarding blood tests. Phlebotomists must be able to interact with patients of all ages and health states and will be responsible for establishing patient identity before testing as well as asking questions related to certain tests.

Other Essential Duties : A phlebotomist will also be required to perform data entry in a number of cases, including when tests have been performed. Record management and bookkeeping are commonly required skills for phlebotomy experts, and many professionals are also required to provide proper etiquette during phone calls with patients as well. Phlebotomists must report to nurses or doctors on staff.

Safety is also a primary area of training for phlebotomists. There are a large number of illnesses that are communicable through blood contact, and the use of needles presents a fair risk of injury. Because of this, phlebotomists are expected to exact a number of safety measures and protocol when handling blood as well as needles and other medical equipment. This helps to ensure a greater level of safety for patients as well as for medical personnel. First aid is also taught to phlebotomy professionals so that they are able to react quickly in the event of a medical emergency.

Job Station Management : In many careers, phlebotomists are also responsible for making sure that blood draw areas and carts are always fully stocked and cleaned. This means ensuring that new supplies are added frequently and that any blood or other fluids are properly cleaned and removed. In some clinics and hospitals, blood draw trays must be prepared with all of the equipment the phlebotomist will need to perform a draw in a patient’s room or in another area of the hospital or office. The phlebotomist will be required to ensure that everything is well stocked and organized and will be responsible for maintaining the phlebotomy area during their shift.

Numerous Roles and Responsibilities :Of course, the job duties of a phlebotomist depend largely on where he or she is employed. For example, a phlebotomist working in a research lab will have a decidedly different list of responsibilities than one working in a prison or in a nursing home. Phlebotomy is a very exciting career with a surprising list of job opportunities, and when you have the proper certification required by your state to work in phlebotomy, you will find that there are numerous options available to you. The job description varies from one position to the next, but phlebotomy is always a very rewarding career.

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