What is a Phlebotomist?
What is A Phebotomist??
If you are asking yourself, what is a phlebotomist? You have come to the right place. A Phlebotomist is a medical professional that is specialized in drawing blood and obtaining lab results for patients. A phlebotomist is usually certified with a nationally accredited body, which allows them to perform venipuncture and draw blood. Usually they are proficient in anatomy and physiology and have an in depth knowledge of the tools needed to draw blood. I.E. different sorts of needles and vacuum attachment equipment. If you are getting your blood drawn often times a Phlebotomist is the professional that will be doing it. And to be totally honest, if it isn't a phlebotomist you should wish it was. A Phlebotomist day in and day out draws blood from patients via a needle or catheter. So they tend to be quite proficient in their jobs. As a Phlebotomist becomes more experienced they are able to insert the needle faster, and more accurately. This cuts down on the pain of having a needle inserted, and also they most likely will not have to re-stick you.
Phlebotomist are also well versed in how to accurately draw the sample and prepare it for laboratory testing. Often times blood sampling can be quite sensitive. Improper handling of the sample can lead to it becoming tainted, and therefore useless. Which often times means that the sample will need to be taken again, otherwise the results will come back skewed and ultimately will give improper information regarding the patients blood work. Phlebotomist are well educated in these techniques, they are specialized in this field to accurately obtain the information needed by doctors to diagnose a patient. They are a key part of healthcare treatment.
Phlebotomist often times will be found in doctors offices, hospitals, blood banks, and specialty laboratories. Nine times out of ten if you are having blood drawn for sampling a phlebotomist will be the person performing the skill. Phlebotomist are also well trained in how to draw blood from children, elderly, adults, infants, and toddlers. Drawing samples of blood can often times be quite difficult especially when it is being done on a child. It requires special techniques to perform these samplings, and a phlebotomist with their specialization have a good working knowledge of how to calm the patient and complete the draw as painlessly and quickly as possible. So to answer your question What is a Phlebotomist? The answer is he or she is your saving grace when it comes to blood drawing.