Duties as a Phlebotomist

The duties of a phlebotomist in health care is a small one, but one that can prove to be very important in treating patients. Phlebotomists are the ones who draw blood from patients in order to provide samples for testing, for transfusions and donations and research, and may do so through what is called venipuncture, skin puncture (also known as a finger stick), or arterial collection.

Since phlebotomists have an extremely high potential to be exposed to blood-borne diseases and contaminants, the level of caution and expertise they use in the execution of their duties is critical to their own safety, as well as all others that may be exposed to the fluid samples they draw. Under the direction of a physician or other licensed health care professional, phlebotomists duties includes collecting samples of blood and other fluids from patients.

Phlebotomist are trained to use the utmost care and precaution when collecting samples in order to prevent transmission of infectious diseases, and are bound by strict rules of operation as well. Prior to collection, it is the phlebotomist’s responsibility to assure that all collection instruments and environments are sterile and of first use.

After sample collection, the phlebotomists duties will include correctly labeling the collection container with pertinent patient information for identification, and they subsequently must complete and file companion paperwork to trace the route of the sample from collection, through lab work, through final analysis and diagnosis and finally to proper disposal of the fluids. Any error in the job of a phlebotomist can have consequences that range from misdiagnosis to fatal contamination. In addition, phlebotomists on a hospital staff will also be required to train other phlebotomists in sample collection and follow up.