Phlebotomist
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A phlebotomist (φλέψ = vein, τομός = cutting) is an individual trained to draw blood, either for laboratory tests or for blood donations.
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[edit] Their role
Phlebotomy is the act of drawing blood either for testing or transfusion. It is a skill employed by physicians and many professionals in allied health fields, including nurses, medical assistants, paramedics, and clinical laboratory scientists. Health care is a rapidly expanding industry, and a new professional, the certified phlebotomist, helps to reduce the workload of doctors and nurses by focusing exclusively on blood collection, particularly in hospitals and blood drives.
Depending on the regional characteristics of the organisation they work for, phlebotomists may have to travel to collect samples (this is referred to as a domiciliary service). They may travel to nursing homes or outpatient clinics to collect samples.
Phlebotomists collect blood primarily by performing venipuncture and, for collection of minute quantities of blood, fingersticks. Blood may be collected from infants by means of a heel stick. Specially trained Phlebotomists collect arterial blood samples from the radial or ulnar arteries near the wrist.
[edit] Training and certification
- In the United States, requirements vary by state. However, most states do require a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by at least a six-week phlebotomy certification class.
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Phlebotomy used to be a skill picked up on the job, but today, most phlebotomists in the United States train approximately two to four months in a career center or trade school or one year in a study of anatomy, how to interact with patients, legal aspects of blood collection, Universal and Standard Precautions, and blood collection techniques. A prospective phlebotomist should have a high school diploma or GED and be able to follow simple directions and procedures and handle blood and other bodily fluids without discomfort. Australian phlebotomists require no specific educational prerequisites in order to undergo training, other than culturally relevant language skills. A medical or laboratory technician background would be advantageous to undertake training.
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[edit] Certification and licensing
Phlebotomists can be certified upon examination by a number of agencies, including the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP), the American Medical Technologists (AMT), the American Association of Medical Personnel (AAMP), the National Credentialing Agency (NCA)and the National Phlebotomy Association (NPA).The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) www.nhanow.com . The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) also covers phlebotomy on their nationally recognized exam. Certified Medical Assistants (CMA) are commonly hired to be phlebotomists
[edit] Remuneration
The National Healthcareer Association offers a national certification for Phlebotomy Technician (CPT). The CPT certification includes the EKG Technician certification (CET) and Phlebotomy Technician certification in one general certification. Certification is also available to individuals that have 2+ years hands on experience as a home study exam; however is not available in the state of California. A person can become certified in the state of California with the National Health-career Association (NHA) certification; however they must take the National Health-career Association (NHA) at an approved testing site set forth by the state of California
[edit] See also
- Bloodletting (medieval)
- Vacutainer
- Blood test
- Medical technologist
[edit] External links
you can also take up classes at Coosa Valley Technical College, also if you dont have your GED you can take it there at Coosa Valley in then take up a trade
