Successful Phlebotomy

For a successful career in phlebotomy, you must be intensely updating your phlebotomy skills. A phlebotomist is responsible for constantly updating himself/herself with the latest in their medical field. Not only will that constantly drawing blood help in mastery of the trade. A good phlebotomist must be able to perform the right technique and prevent samples from being compromised, unnecessary errors- especially false laboratory results or findings- and injuries to the patient. Injuries such as hematomas, anticoagulant reflux and nerve injury have to be prevented at all cost. Other equally important skills to master in phlebotomy include properly identifying clients by asking the clients for identification or reading the names on their wristbands. Good phlebotomists must also know how to be courteous to their clients and be able to explain the procedure well to ease the client’s emotions regarding the procedure. Good phlebotomists must know how to properly identify samples and label collection tubes. They must also use the correct blood collection tubes and devices as ordered by the physician. Handling of collection tubes are very important and depend on the kind of blood you are drawing.
When drawing of blood, a skilled phlebotomist must be able to properly access the blood vessel without compromising the client’s safety. They must be able to follow the correct order of drawing blood and be able to maintain the blood sample’s integrity while extracting. The phlebotomist must be able to fill the collection tubes sufficiently and process it correctly. After which, the phlebotomist must be able to properly document all the data regarding the sample and store or transport the collection tubes while maintaining the quality of the specimen.
A phlebotomist must be keenly aware of the client’s general health, gender, culture, allergies and medications taken. Before getting a blood sample, the client must be prepared and instructed properly. The diurnal and circadian variations, the client’s position, physiologic variables, general health and medications taken, and the tourniquet placement must be taken note of during the blood extraction procedure. Furthermore, if the primary site for venipuncture does not become viable, you must know another site where to puncture best. A good phlebotomist knows the safety regulations and infection control procedures and techniques to avoid injuring others and themselves.

Every phlebotomist should know that each person is unique, and that every procedure for each client is different. Once the phlebotomist understands each of these challenges, they will be able to avoid mistakes. Phlebotomy greatly eases the pressures of searching for solutions. A skill is learned and when the phlebotomy skills are mastered, lesser mistakes occur.