Phlebotomy Careers

The duties and responsibilities of a phlebotomist focus on the proper obtaining and handling of human blood for analysis or research. The services offered by these phlebotomists include taking blood samples from patients and labeling it for laboratory analysis. Phlebotomists have a high potential to be exposed to blood borne diseases. That is why the level of caution and expertise must e executed well in their duties for the patients and their own safety as well.

Under the supervision of a physician or any licensed health care professional, this phlebotomist’s collects samples of blood and other fluids from the patients. Prior to collection, the phlebotomists must make sure that the instruments and the environment of the patient is sterile. After collecting the blood sample, the phlebotomists will then correctly label the collection container with the important information needed for identification and must complete all paper works to keep track of the sample from the blood through the whole analysis and diagnostic phase up to the disposal of these specimens. Any mishaps in their job will lead to a misdiagnosis or fatal contamination as well. Some phlebotomists also conduct home visits that include the transportation of samples between one laboratory to another. Phlebotomist work in an environment that have added task like ensuring that the samples are analyzed correctly by putting into effect control and safety measures.

There are different ways in becoming a phlebotomist. In some cases, having a high school education is the first basic requirement. Clinics or hospitals may take on high school graduates and train them as phlebotomists. Some also require more duties than just drawing blood. It is important for these phlebotomists to be knowledgeable enough on anatomy and physiology as well as having good communication skills. A phlebotomy program will prepare these phlebotomists in all aspects. One step is by becoming certified. Certification may not be necessary in becoming a practicing phlebotomist in some States. But having a certification is somehow more preferred by potential employers; therefore having a certification is a benefit. Next is to have a formal training. There are two types of program being offered- one does not leave the graduates certified and the other includes the certifying exam within their curriculum.

Phlebotomist’s salary depends on certain factors as to the number of years of experience, education, location of the job and etc. The field of study for phlebotomists plays an important role. A phlebotomists salary for those who have finished a formal phlebotomy education is around $10 and up than those who have no formal trainings or certifications. For the years of experience, those who just finished school can earn $10 an hour while those working for five years and more can earn up to $13 to $15. The phlebotomist salary in a private facility is lower than the one working in a hospital. Private offices offer a salary of around $11 while the hospital pays their phlebotomist $15 and above after gaining some experience. These numbers will still rise as the experience of the person also increases.