THE WORLD IS CHANGING RAPIDLY, SO ARE HEALTH CARE CAREERS

Home About Us Our Sponsors Careers Education Employers Labor Market Info Important Links Downloads Contact Us		Phlebotomist  (Clinical Laboratory Services) DID YOU KNOW?   (click for more) DID YOU KNOW?   (click to hide) Phlebotomist - Did-You-Know: 1. Phlebotomists are now using handheld barcode readers, PDAs, for identifying patients at bedside and real-time collection list, which identifies orders that need to be completed. 2. A new device, the transilluminator, using LED radiation has been introduced to assist in locating hard to find veins. 3. Some walk-in laboratories, with trained staff - typically a phlebotomist, have evolved with direct access testing (DAT) allowing the consumer the opportunity to access laboratory tests without having to consult a physician. Tennessee is one of many states in the United States that has introduced legislation to regulate DAT. How is technology impacting any of the following areas in the Phlebotomy field? 1. Education: Phlebotomists are utilizing computerized equipment in the laboratory, as well as the patient’s bedside. Basic computer knowledge and keyboarding skills are additional skills necessary today. 2. Research: Research is constantly being done in healthcare. This is particularly true in the blood bank arena. A blood bank is one area where phlebotomists may become employed. Perfection is necessary! The American Red Cross, after much research in conjunction with Vanderbilt, has been authorized by the FDA to make all units of blood leukocyte (white blood cells) reduced. This will diminish possible side effects a patient may experience during a blood transfusion. 3. Direct patient care: Technology is speeding the amount of time it takes to get laboratory results back to doctors and to the patient. It also helps save the number of trips from the laboratory to patients’ rooms and back, as well as being cost effective. In the case of a blood transfusion, new computerization at patient bedside can alert us to adverse effects that are occurring in a patient being transfused that may be caused by a specific lot number of a product. This new technology allows us to quickly locate the lot number and initiate a market withdrawal. 4. Administrative issues: Which computerized system works best in their respective environment and costs issues? Training of laboratory personnel utilizing the new systems. DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Clinical laboratory testing plays a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. Clinical laboratory personnel examine and analyze body fluids, tissues, and cells. They look for bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms; analyze the chemical content of fluids; match blood for transfusions; and test for drug levels in the blood to show how a patient is responding to treatment. These technologists also prepare specimens for examination, count cells, and look for abnormal cells. They use automated equipment and instruments capable of performing a number of tests simultaneously, as well as microscopes, cell counters, and other sophisticated laboratory equipment. Then, they analyze the results and relay them to physicians. With increasing automation and the use of computer technology, the work of technologists and technicians has become less hands-on and more analytical. The complexity of tests performed, the level of judgment needed, and the amount of responsibility workers assume depend largely on the amount of education and experience they have. Phlebotomists are one type of medical laboratory technician. Phlebotomists collect blood samples. Only a tiny percentage of medical technicians are phlebotomists. The phlebotomist facilitates the collection and transportation of laboratory specimens and is often the patient`s only contact with the medical laboratory. The need to assure quality and patient safety mandates strict professional behavior and standards of practice for these practitioners. The phlebotomist may aid in the collection and transportation of other laboratory specimens and may also be involved with patient data entry. A phlebotomist may also draw blood for tranfusions, donations, and research. Mean annual salary for this position is $28,380. WHERE EMPLOYED: About half work in hospitals with others in medical laboratories or offices and clinics of physicians. A small proportion work in educational services; other ambulatory healthcare services, including blood and organ banks; outpatient care centers; and scientific research and development service. PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Clinical laboratory personnel need good analytical judgment and problem-solving abilities, computer skills and the ability to work under pressure. Close attention to detail can be crucial for quality patient care. Manual dexterity and normal color vision are highly desirable. Phlebotomists must like challenge and responsibility. They must be able to deal with patients and be able to calm patients. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must have a high school diploma or G.E.D. with completion of an approved phlebotomy training program (see below). Phlebotomy training is typically offered at junior or community colleges, hospitals, medical laboratories, proprietary schools, and other equivalent postsecondary educational institutions or through on-the-job training and/or through certification from one of several associations (including the National Phlebotomy Association or the American Society of Clinical Pathologists). Some states require laboratory personnel to be licensed or registered, though most do not. Information on licensure is available from state departments of health or boards of occupational licensing. Certification is a volunutary process by which a nongovernmental organization, such as a professional society or certifying agency, grants recognition to an individual whose professional competence meets prescribed standards. Widely accepted by employers in the health industry, certification is a prerequisite for most jobs and often is necessary for advancement. Agencies certifying phlebotomists include the National Phlebotomy Association or the American Association of Clinical Pathologists. Employers prefer to hire experienced workers and may prefer certified applicants who have passed a national examination, indicating that the phlebotomist meets certain prescribed standards of competence. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Phlebotomists have a high school diploma and learn their skills through classroom (junior or community colleges, hospitals, medical laboratories, proprietary schools, and other equivalent postsecondary educational institutions) and on-the-job training and/or through certification from one of several associations (including the National Phlebotomy Association or the American Association of Clinical Pathologists). Approved programs contain at least 100 hours of clinical practicum and culminate in a postsecondary certificate. The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) approves 57 programs in phlebotomy and clinical assisting. Other nationally recognized accrediting agencies that accredit specific areas for clinical laboratory workers include the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. Training programs for phlebotomy usually consists of both didactic instruction and clinical practice in the following: 1 - Obtaining blood samples 2 - Specimen Collection and Processing 3 - Time Management and Assignment Organizatioin 4 - Professional Communications 5 - Clerical Skills and Duties 6 - Safety Standards and Procedures 7 - Legal, Ethical and Professional Considerations 8 - Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology Educational program types for this career. EMPLOYERS: Potential employers for this career. LAST UPDATED: 9/9/2007 - Update Current status - Active
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