Saturday, January 21, 2017

The Job Description Of A Phlebotomy Technician and Venipuncture Technique

The Job Description Of A Phlebotomy Technician

A phlebotomy technician is a medical professional that draws blood and other fluid samples from a patients body for the purpose of medical diagnosis and assessment or for purpose of blood donation. 

The phlebotomy technician takes these blood samples from the patient using venipuncture, which is the most common method. Venipuncture entails getting the blood directly from median cubital vein, which lies within the anterior of the elbow. 

Blood can also be obtained through a capillary method or from a small pinprick in the finger. A phlebotomy technician is the medical professional that is responsible for drawing blood using all of these methods.

The tasks attributed to a phlebotomy technician include making sure that all of the instruments used in the drawing of the blood is sterilized and safe. 

After the blood draw is complete the phlebotomy technician is required to label the collection container immediately with the patient’s information, the reason for the blood draw and any other identifying information.

All relevant paperwork must be completed immediately in order to have a paper trail to trace the route of the sample, assuring the patient and the doctors that the correct blood sample is being used for the diagnosis and assessment. 

The proper identification of the blood sample and having the appropriate paperwork completed is the most crucial part of the job as even the most minor error can lead to a misdiagnosis or a contamination., which can be detrimental to the patient, the doctor, the facility and everyone concerned.

Phlebotomist are required to keep detailed records about their patient’s blood test results and information within the computer system of the facility where they are employed. Many phlebotomy technicians are also charged with the responsibility of training new technicians in sample collections and analysis.

You must be able to put your patients at ease. Blood draws tend to be painless procedures, however, many patients are still very nervous about having their blood taken. 

A good phlebotomy technician will have a comforting manner and will be able to ease their patients fears. Phlebotomy technicians are employed at almost every type of medical facility, including hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, diagnostic laboratories and of course, blood banks.

In order to become a practicing phlebotomy technician one must have a high school diploma or equivalent. A background in science or biology is helpful and a training program from a certified vocational training program must be completed. One must also pass a test from one of the following associations in order to become certified.

The American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP)
The American Association of Medical Personnel (AAMP)
American Medical Technologists (AMT)
The National Credentialing Agency (NCA)

The training programs to become a phlebotomy technician typically take one year to complete. Certification and licensing is generally not required in most states, however, getting your certification will give you a big advantage when it comes to getting a job. Many employers will only hire phlebotomy technicians who are certified with a accredited association.

Venipuncture Technique

If you have ever had your blood drawn for a donation or for a medical test you may have ended up with a huge purple bruise on your arm or you may not have had any bruise at all and the only way you can tell that you gave blood at all is the little tiny mark from where the needle pricked your skin.

Phlebotomy technicians need to become skilled in venipuncture technique or phlebotomy technique as it is often called. Drawing blood should not be a painful experience for the patient either as the blood is being drawn or afterward.

Drawing blood is somewhat of an art, but a good technique is something that can be practiced and learned. If you are planning to be a phlebotomy technician the art of venipuncture is something that you should work on daily.

Preparing for Venipuncture

It is important to properly prepare the patient to prevent possible patient injury and infection. Possible fainting or dizziness can occur in even the healthiest patients so the patient should always be seated before starting. All tight or constricting clothing or jewelry should also be removed.

The phlebotomy technician or nurse will select the most appropriate vein for blood collection. The skin over the vein must then be cleaned thoroughly with a 70% alcohol solution wipe in a spiral motion from the inside out.

The phlebotomy technician should always practice good venipuncture techniques including:

1. Washing hands thoroughly with a hospital recognized antiseptic hand soap. The phlebotomy technician should also always wear examination gloves that are either latex or vinyl.

2. Selecting the most suitable vein. This is the vein that can most easily accommodate the blood draw with just one stick. No patient likes to be poked again and again.

3. Clean the area thoroughly with the hospital or clinic approved swabs, usually either povidone-iodine 1% or an alcohol or CHG prep.

The Vein Puncture

A tourniquet is usually applied about 3 to 4 inches above the collection site on an extremity, such as the arms. This forces the blood to pool inside the vein making it easier for the stick and for the blood collection or for an intravenous catheter insertion. The patient can also make a fist and this will also aid in the pooling of the blood in the vein.

The needle chosen is selected based upon the size of the patient, the patient’s age, the condition of the vein and the reason for the venipuncture. 

The needles are flattened to point on one side. This flat side is called a bevel and it allows the needle to slide easily through the skin and into the vein. 

The needle should be positioned with the bevel facing upward, parallel to the vein at a 15-degree angle so that it can press through the vein in a quick and smooth motion.

The phlebotomy technician should also be confident and have a steady hand when poking the patient. An unsteady hand can be frightening for a patient. 

After the venipuncture is complete it is important to apply pressure to the site in order to stop the blood flow and prevent bruising.

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