Phlebotomists has an extremely high risk on being exposed to certain blood diseases that is why their level of expertise is important to their own safety since they are exposed to the fluid samples they draw. With the direction of a physician or any other licensed health care professionals, the duties of the phlebotomists include collecting samples of blood and fluids from the patients. Before the collection, it is the duty of the phlebotomists to make sure that the instruments used for the collection and the environment is sterile.
After the collection of the samples, the phlebotomists will place the proper labeling on the container with the important information for identification and must also complete the paperwork to keep track of the samples through the whole analysis and diagnosis until its proper disposal. Any mistakes in the duty of the phlebotomists will lead to a misdiagnosis to fatal contamination. Other duty of the phlebotomists includes conducting home visits. They are also responsible for the transportation of blood and fluid samples from one location to the other. In other cases, the duty of the phlebotomists will include being responsible in performing certain functions to process blood for analysis by the health care professionals like physicians. Phlebotomists that work in laboratories have also the additional responsibility of ensuring that the samples taken are correctly analyzed by following quality control and safety precautions to avoid contamination to occur during the whole process.
In becoming a phlebotomist, having a phlebotomist training and education is the first step to take. After completing the training program, the certification exam is another step in becoming certified phlebotomists. This exam is given by an accrediting body of the state like the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians. They offer a comprehensive exam that test on all areas of phlebotomy. This knowledge also includes areas on anatomy and physiology, the circulatory system and different tests and procedures. Hands on training are also an important asset after the certification that can be done in any hospitals and clinics. Depending on the State, certification may or may not be required. But having a certification is mostly recommended by health care employers. This will prove that one has taken up all the trainings before completing the process of having a certification.
Phlebotomy training is achieved by passing and completing a one year vocational program which is offered by technical schools or community colleges. A lot of community colleges also offer an associate degree in phlebotomy. In becoming a certified phlebotomist, some states also require licensing and registration to make sure that they are competent in doing the job. A certified phlebotomist will be receiving an annual phlebotomy technician salary of $20,000 to $50,000 and still increases depending on the demand of services. As the demand increases, more facilities will hire additional phlebotomists. The duty and services provided by phlebotomists are usually scheduled rather than being performed under emergency situations. Phlebotomists usually have the benefit of shift hours which is a great benefit which is not usually found in any other medical professions.
