Phlebotomy Technician
What is a Phlebotomy Technician?
It is an individual who is a highly skilled professional that has studied the theory and practice of venipuncture and specimen handling, as well as laboratory testing and draws blood in a physicians' office, laboratory and/or hospital setting.
The scope of practice often includes neonatal heelsticks, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric fingersticks, and venipunctures. Duties of a phlebotomist may also include labeling, preserving, packaging, and possibly, transporting blood specimen to the lab for analysis. In most cases the samples are forwarded to an independent reference laboratory where qualified laboratory technicians perform the analysis. They then report their findings back to the physician who ordered the tests. At times, phlebotomists also participate, coordinate, or get involved as volunteers in community health fairs and blood drive events.
The student completing the program receives a diploma as a Phlebotomy Technician.
