Introduction to Phlebotomy
Introduction to Phlebotomy
=Phlebotomy means TO CUT INTO A VEIN
=The procedure of cutting or puncturing a vein is performed by a phlebotomist
=The primary role of a phlebotomist is to obtain blood specimens for testing
=Other roles include packaging urine specimens, accepting incoming specimens, and routing specimens to other departments
History
=Removing blood from veins dates back to about 1400 BC when leeches were applied to the skin of sick people
=In the early 1800’s medicinal leeches were used for the procedure known as BLOODLETTING
=Bloodletting was typically performed by barbers or anyone claiming medical training
BLOODLETTING
~THEN
-performed by a cut into a vein with a sharp instrument to drain blood
-the lancet was the most popularly used instrument
-aseptic practices were not known, so the lancet was reused for several patients
~NOW
-profession emerged as a result of technology and expansions in laboratory function
-performed by trained professionals
-standards of practice set by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PHLEBOTOMIST
a) PATIENT IDENTIFICATION
-check armband/ID label in acute care settings
-check driver’s license/picture ID in outpatient settings
-ASK, COMPARE, VALIDATE
b) SPECIMEN COLLECTION AND HANDLING
-physician orders indicate type of specimen and time of collection
=Most commonly used methods:
+Venipuncture –insertion of a needle into a vein to remove blood
+Dermal Puncture –use of puncture device to obtain capillary blood by pricking the skin
c) PROFESSIONALISM
-be professional
-apply good interpersonal skills
-dress professionally
*Many institutions require that phlebotomists wear a lab jacket and specified shoes to meet OSHA guidelines
d) VERBAL/NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
-avoid the use of slang
-speak in a calm, clear voice
-avoid inappropriate terms
-maintain eye contact
-neat, well-groomed appearance
-respect personal space
*The phlebotomist must be able to communicate
=Phlebotomy means TO CUT INTO A VEIN
=The procedure of cutting or puncturing a vein is performed by a phlebotomist
=The primary role of a phlebotomist is to obtain blood specimens for testing
=Other roles include packaging urine specimens, accepting incoming specimens, and routing specimens to other departments
History
=Removing blood from veins dates back to about 1400 BC when leeches were applied to the skin of sick people
=In the early 1800’s medicinal leeches were used for the procedure known as BLOODLETTING
=Bloodletting was typically performed by barbers or anyone claiming medical training
BLOODLETTING
~THEN
-performed by a cut into a vein with a sharp instrument to drain blood
-the lancet was the most popularly used instrument
-aseptic practices were not known, so the lancet was reused for several patients
~NOW
-profession emerged as a result of technology and expansions in laboratory function
-performed by trained professionals
-standards of practice set by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PHLEBOTOMIST
a) PATIENT IDENTIFICATION
-check armband/ID label in acute care settings
-check driver’s license/picture ID in outpatient settings
-ASK, COMPARE, VALIDATE
b) SPECIMEN COLLECTION AND HANDLING
-physician orders indicate type of specimen and time of collection
=Most commonly used methods:
+Venipuncture –insertion of a needle into a vein to remove blood
+Dermal Puncture –use of puncture device to obtain capillary blood by pricking the skin
c) PROFESSIONALISM
-be professional
-apply good interpersonal skills
-dress professionally
*Many institutions require that phlebotomists wear a lab jacket and specified shoes to meet OSHA guidelines
d) VERBAL/NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
-avoid the use of slang
-speak in a calm, clear voice
-avoid inappropriate terms
-maintain eye contact
-neat, well-groomed appearance
-respect personal space
*The phlebotomist must be able to communicate