Phlebotomy is the science of obtaining blood, usually through venipuncture, for diagnosis or treatment of illnesses or medical conditions. But as simple as this sounds, there is much more involved than just the drawing of blood.
A professional phlebotomist has education in anatomy so that they know which sites are best for obtaining blood samples. They also know which sites cause the patient less discomfort, and how to assess a veins structure for possible problems, such as a weak vein that may “blow”, or the need to choose a slightly different area to avoid a valve.
Medical knowledge is also necessary in this field. Knowing how to administer CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) is mandatory. As well as what to do if your patient passes out at the sight of a needle. Special knowledge is required to obtain blood from a hemophiliac, or from a child.
One who performs phlebotomy follows a physician’s orders, so they must be able to understand medical terminology, and what procedures to follow for the ordered tests. They must know whether the ordered test calls for a tube with anticoagulant, or some other chemical to preserve the blood in a way that will make the test accurate.
Phlebotomy also includes getting small amounts of blood from a finger stick or a heel stick. Getting a blood sample from a heel is usually reserved for infants. Another type of blood collection is from an artery.
Arterial blood is more difficult because the arteries are deep and the procedure causes the patient more pain. This blood is usually needed for blood gases for patients with respiratory problems, or certain circulatory issues.
Proper phlebotomy requires a wide range of training. Courses in psychology and human relations are especially helpful since this professional must be able to calm and console many patients and their family members. Much of the population has a fear of needles, and others seem fine until they see blood. It’s important that phlebotomists are trained in communication techniques that allow them to ask the right questions, and be able to adequately assess the answers.
For example if you ask “Have you had this procedure done before?”, and the answer is, “I think so but I don’t remember it because I passed out”, you know that providing for patient safety is a major concern. Most patients aren’t this straightforward and you will need to take body language and the look in their eyes into account.
So phlebotomy is actually a combination of disciplines that bring all the knowledge together that is necessary for the person that is going to draw blood to look at, and care for, the whole patient. Even though their time with the patient is short, they will be remembered for the way they communicated, showed caring and professionalism, or the way they didn’t.
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