A phlebotomist is a skilled health care worker that works with doctors and nurses upon finishing a phlebotomy training and education. Phlebotomists work in different settings, commonly in hospital’s clinics and blood banks. What does a phlebotomist do? A phlebotomist’s draws blood from patients for analysis or transfusions. The common method of collecting blood is called a venipuncture. Phlebotomists do not analyze the samples. Upon blood collection, phlebotomists must clearly label and document the specimens. Their primary responsibility includes blood collection and record-keeping.

Phlebotomists and patients are at risk of blood borne diseases and other communicable diseases. That is why it is important for them to wear gloves, face masks, caps and gowns. We must also follow safety standards to ensure the safety of the patients and importantly themselves. The tools and equipment used by phlebotomists requires special handling and disposal. A thorough understanding of the procedure and safety standards is important. Phlebotomists work with a different range of patients from the infants up to the elderly. A lot of people finds in uncomfortable having blood drawn and it is the phlebotomists job to keep the patients comfortable all the time. Phlebotomists are in direct communication with the patients and the doctors so it is important for them to have a good communication skill and to enjoy working with people. Phlebotomists are also responsible in handling phone calls from patients and doctors, scheduling appointment and picking up specimens.

Phlebotomist’s follow a standard work schedule of typically 40 hours a week for five days and required to work in three different shifts which is day, afternoon and night. Phlebotomists do not require a large amount of physical activity like heavy lifting’s but most of their time is spent on walking and standing. Becoming a phlebotomist varies but generally a high school education is required to become one.  A lot of programs are available through colleges and vocational schools. These programs help prepare phlebotomists for their responsibilities and the things that may encounter on the job. Students enrolled in a phlebotomist school receive both classroom and clinical instruction including blood collection, blood storage, procedures and tests. These phlebotomy trainings prepare the students for national certification exams. This is to help them qualify the certification exam.

A phlebotomist salary in a private facility is paid lower than those in the hospital. The phlebotomist in private offices earns around $11 while in hospitals a phlebotomist can earn $14 an hour and can go up to $17 after gaining some experiences. There is also phlebotomist that earns bigger. There are the mobile phlebotomist that travels in one area to another just to collect blood and bring it back to the laboratory. They work harder just to increase their income. Working for extra hours can increase the phlebotomist salary from $10,000 to $15,000 a year. The more the experience of the person is, the more chances that there salary will also be increasing. If they also work in urban areas then they are paid more than those working in small rural areas.