What is Phlebotomy?
Phlebotomy Origins
The word “phlebotomy” (and most medical terminology) is derived from the Greek
language. Phleb – A prefix meaning veins or blood vessels tomy – A suffix meaning
to cut or make an incision
The most common methods of today for blood collecting are:
• venipuncture - withdrawing venous blood sample using a needle.
• skin puncture - puncturing the skin (usually on a finger or heel) for a small
amount of capillary blood (*Skin punctures are also referred to as dermal sticks,
capillary draws, finger sticks, and heel sticks.
Necessary Character Traits
There are certain character traits a person needs in order to work
in the healthcare field. Some of the most important traits are:
Do not harm any one intentionally
Ability to perform according to job description and use good
judgment
Respect for patients’ rights
Have regard for dignity of all human beings
Specimen Testing Phases
The process of specimen testing happens in three distinct phases,
pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical.
Pre-Analytical Phase - A phlebotomist’s duties are part of the pre-
analytical and preexamination phase of testing. Pre-analytical and
pre-examination have the same meaning, and refer to specimen
collection.
This process occurs before actual testing begins and is one of
the most important roles in clinical testing.
Most mistakes take place in the pre-analytical phase of testing.
Things can go from good to very bad in this phase of testing if
not done correctly. This phase includes the following:
Correctly identifying the patient and labeling the specimen
Accurately performing the collection
Transporting the specimen(s) to the lab in a timely manner
Analytical Phase
The analytical phase is when testing of the specimen begins;
more than likely your laboratory technicians will be involved
with this phase (those are the ones in the lab coats). The
specimen is transported to the lab and processed, after which
testing begins. When the tests are complete the results are
given to the doctor.
Post-analytical Phase
Once results from the specimen testing are given to the doctor,
the doctor then uses these results to determine a patient’s
diagnosis and the patient is treated accordingly. This is why it
is important that the patient and specimen are both correctly
identified all the way back in the pre-analytical phase.
Figure 1 shows an overview of how all three phases work together
Phlebotomy Process
How does this whole process start? How do I know when and where
to do the phlebotomy procedure? How do I know what test needs to
be drawn? Here is an overview of the whole process:
1. It all starts with the patient. A patient typically goes to the
doctor’s office to discuss symptoms.
2. The doctor evaluates the patient along with the symptoms. Once
the doctor narrows down a few possibilities he might order lab
work.
Conti…….
3. The doctor or his nurse then translates the lab order to the
phlebotomist.
4. The phlebotomist collects the specimen and processes it.
5. The lab technicians test the specimen.
6. The results are given to the doctor.
7. The doctor then will diagnose and treat the patient!
Role of phlebotomist
Phlebotomists take samples of blood for testing. The blood
samples may be needed to learn more about a particular
patient, or they may be used in research. Phlebotomists also
collect blood from donors for those in need of
blood transfusions
Phlebotomy Technician
Works directly with patient
Important responsibility of collecting
blood specimens from patients
Accurate and excellent communicators
Committed to quality healthcare delivery
Interacts with all members of the healthcare team
Duties of the Phlebotomist
Correct identification of the patient before sample collection
Collection of the appropriate amount of blood by venipuncture,
dermal puncture, and arterial puncture for the specified tests
Process specimens for laboratory testing
Performing waived point of care laboratory tests
Where does a phlebotomy technician work?
Hospitals
Physician Offices and Clinics
Reference Laboratories
Insurance Companies
Home Health
Blood and Plasma Donation Centers
Long-term Care Facilities
Desirable Personal Characteristics for
Phlebotomists
Dependability
Kind-heartedness
Honesty
Integrity
Flexibility
Professional appearance