Phlebotomy Technician
"Phlebotomy is the most important procedure done for a medical laboratory," says Michael Coté, supervisor of phlebotomy staff at Palo Alto VA Hospital in California. "To make accurate diagnosis and effective treatment possible, it's vital to draw a good blood sample...and process it accurately." A phlebotomy technician, or phlebotomist, is the medical person responsible for obtaining blood samples from patients-from the youngest to the oldest. Physicians depend on phlebotomists to perform their jobs properly as many important decisions are made based on the results of blood tests.
Phlebotomy also requires that the technician have a good understanding of human anatomy. Even more than simply knowing where blood vessels are so blood can be drawn from them, a phlebotomist must assess the patient's overall health to determine the best means of collecting a sample. Venipuncture sites, size or gauge of needles, and even the patient's temperature are all variables that must be dealt with to successfully obtain a sample.
Coté further states that it is imperative that phlebotomists also have good people skills, "People are apprehensive about being stuck with needles, so you have to be patient and be able to put them at ease. Above all, you have to be confident. If the phlebotomist is nervous, the patient will sense it and get nervous too."
Salary Information and Employment Outlook
What can I make as a phlebotomist?
Training Requirements/Examinations
American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians
American Medical Technologists
Professional Associations
American Society of Clinical Pathologists
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You're a What? (Phlebotomist)
How do you do it? (Tutorial)
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Phlebotomy Technician Employers
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Salary Information and Employment Outlook
Training Requirements/Examinations
Professional Associations
Other Links
Other Related Job Titles
Phlebotomy Technician Employers
