Phlebotomy Technician
April 22, 2022
Uncategorized
A Phlebotomy technician is in charge of collecting blood specimens for the laboratory to assist in the diagnosis of health issues and diseases. The technician is also responsible for prepping lab equipment, evaluating a patient’s reaction to the blood draw, and appropriately collecting fluids. Phlebotomy technicians are vital members of the health care team since they generally need to explain the blood-drawing technique to patients and put them at ease.
The term “Phlebotomy” is derived from the Greek words “phleps,” which means “vein,” and “tomia,” which means “cutting.” Thus, the word “Phlebotomy” refers to the venipuncture of blood for transfusion, diagnostic testing, or experimental treatments.
Phlebotomy Technician Tasks and Duties
Phlebotomy technicians are responsible for a range of jobs, but their primary responsibility is to draw blood for various types of medical laboratory testing. Their tasks may vary depending on their degree of training and area of employment. Generally, besides drawing blood, the scope of their duties include:
- Labeling the blood for further processing
- Entering patient data into a database
- Sterilizing medical equipment
- Organizing and keep medical devices
- Delivering blood samples to the laboratory
- Preparing specimens for specialists
- Utilizing a glucometer to see the level of sugar in the blood of diabetics
It is vital to highlight that, as medical technology is continually improving, Phlebotomy technicians must understand the differences between blood test types and how medicine and nutrition affect blood samples.
Phlebotomy Technician Traits
To assist you in determining whether a job as a Phlebotomy technician is suited for you, we have created a list of the four main characteristics that every professional should possess.
Tolerance: The primary responsibility of a Phlebotomy technician is to draw blood. Since some people are terrified of the process, it is critical that the specialist remains tolerant and empathetic while executing their job.
Fine Motor Abilities: Phlebotomy specialists must have fine motor skills to accomplish the precise process of placing needles into difficult-to-find veins.
Attention: Phlebotomy technicians must draw the appropriate blood vials for the tests required, track blood bottles, and enter data into a computer. Careful work is essential; otherwise, specimens may be misplaced or lost, or a patient may be hurt.
Multitasking: Because the laboratories can be very busy working each day, it is essential for Phlebotomy technicians to multitask and meet strict deadlines and requirements, as many patients rely on the timely results of labs.
Phlebotomy Technician VS Phlebotomist
Many medical vocations have identical work tasks but may have separate names or titles. Both Phlebotomists and Phlebotomy technicians deal with blood samples, although their duties differ depending on the scenario. A Phlebotomist is a blood-related healthcare specialist. In addition to their medical responsibilities, most Phlebotomists have supervision responsibilities. A Phlebotomy technician is a medical practitioner that assists Phlebotomists with blood work and the administrative chores that go with it.
Education and Training
The training course for a Phlebotomy technician is a non-degree program that normally takes less than a year to complete. These programs are available in technical schools, community colleges, vocational schools, and other comparable institutions. Typically, the curriculum consists of several classes. While subjects presented may differ from one program to the next, they generally include:
- Communication and recordkeeping skills
- Infection prevention
- The terminology used in medicine
- Anatomy
- Venipuncture and capillary collection techniques
- Handling and processing of specimens
The cost of a Phlebotomy training program can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the school you choose. Training programs for Phlebotomy technicians often lead to a certificate or diploma. Receiving a certificate or diploma will make you eligible for certification tests.
Opportunities and Prospects
Phlebotomy is a growing area with several job options. From 2020 to 2030, the employment of Phlebotomists and Phlebotomy technicians is expected to expand by 22 percent, substantially higher than the average for all occupations. In addition, because blood testing is such an essential part of health care, the need for Phlebotomy technicians is projected to rise as doctors employ blood work for analysis and diagnosis.
In the United States, the average hourly wage for a Phlebotomy technician is $20.27. Therefore, the approximate total income for a Certified Phlebotomy Technician is $54,020 per year, with an average salary of $34,713 per year.
Both mobile blood centers and specialized donation centers will require the services of Phlebotomists and Phlebotomy technicians, especially during a health emergency when blood donations are in high demand.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Working as a Phlebotomy Technician
Here are a few things to consider before you take the plunge of working as a Phlebotomy technician.
Pros
- Consistent income
- Adaptable schedules
- A short course of training and education
- Career in-demand
Cons
- Possibility of needlestick injuries
- Long hours of work
- Interactions with irate and impolite patients
- Long hours of standing
- Stressful
Remember, whichever occupation you choose will have advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, before making a final selection, you should analyze the benefits and downsides of each job to determine if the positives exceed the drawbacks. It’s also worth noting that just because a career seems promising doesn’t mean it’s right for you.
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