What is the first step a phlebotomy technician performs when drawing blood *?
Phlebotomy technicians collect blood from patients and prepare the samples for testing. Most work in hospitals and clinics, but some collect blood for donation purposes. Phlebotomy technicians are important members of the health care team and often need to explain the blood-drawing procedure and put patients at ease. Show
With constantly evolving medical technologies, phlebotomy technicians must know the difference in blood test types and should be aware of how medications and diet impact blood samples. Scope of practicePhlebotomy technicians are responsible for drawing samples of blood and preparing them for testing. Common tasks and duties include:
Work environmentPhlebotomy technicians work in hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, private home care, medical labs, blood donation centers, research institutes, and insurance companies. They may work day, evening, or night shifts, including weekend and holiday hours. The majority of their time is spent on their feet, interacting with patients or preparing samples to be sent to the lab. Becoming a phlebotomy technicianDue to the intricate work of inserting needles into hard-to-find veins, phlebotomy technicians need to have well-tuned fine motor skills. They need to be able to handle difficult and emotional patients that might be afraid of needles. Finally, they need to be detail-oriented and able to remember safety precautions, how different diets can affect blood samples, and exactly how samples need to be treated to appropriately test them. Higher education requirementsTo become a phlebotomy technician, you must have a high school degree or equivalent and a phlebotomy technician training program. These programs can last a few months to a year. Certification processThe certification process can vary depending on which organization is certifying the phlebotomy technician. These organizations include the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, National Healthcareer Association, and the American Medical Technologists. Requirements typically include a high school diploma or GED, a phlebotomy training program, and potentially some work experience. Career opportunities and outlookPhlebotomy technicians can expect a median salary range of $37,380. Phlebotomy is an expanding field with excellent career opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of phlebotomist technicians to grow much faster than average. Blood testing is an essential task in health care so demand for phlebotomy technicians is likely to increase since doctors use blood work for analysis and diagnosis. To advance their careers, some phlebotomy technicians choose to get certified in a particular area to become phlebotomy specialists or donor phlebotomy technicians. With additional experience and education, others become medical lab technicians, medical assistants, or registered nurses (R.N.s). The first step in acquiring a quality lab test result for any patient is the specimen collection procedure. The venipuncture procedure is complex, requiring both knowledge and skill to perform. Several essential steps are required for every successful collection procedure: Venipuncture Procedure:
Fingerstick Procedure:
Heelstick Procedure (infants):The recommended location for blood collection on a newborn baby or infant is the heel. The diagram below indicates the proper area to use for heel punctures for blood collection.
Order of Draw:Blood collection tubes must be drawn in a specific order to avoid cross-contamination of additives between tubes. The recommended order of draw is:
Labeling The SampleAll specimens must be received by the laboratory with a legible label containing at least two (2) unique identifiers. The specimen must be labeled with the patient's full name (preferably last name first, then first name last) and one of the following:
Areas to Avoid When Choosing a Site for Blood Draw:Certain areas are to be avoided when choosing a site for blood draw:
Techniques to Prevent Hemolysis (which can interfere with many tests):
Blood Sample Handling and Processing:Pre-centrifugation Handling - The first critical step in the lab testing process, after obtaining the sample, is the preparation of the blood samples. Specimen integrity can be maintained by following some basic handling processes: What is the first step in drawing blood?Assemble equipment. ... . Identify and prepare the patient. ... . Select the site. ... . Perform hand hygiene and put on gloves. ... . Disinfect the entry site. ... . Take blood. ... . Fill the laboratory sample tubes. ... . Draw samples in the correct order.. What is the 1st thing needed before doing a venipuncture?Prep the venipuncture site by cleansing the area with an alcohol prep pad for 30 seconds and allow to air dry for 30 seconds. Grab the patient's lower arm (below site of puncture) firmly to draw the skin taut and anchor the vein from rolling. Insert the needle at a 15 to 30-degree angle into the vessel.
What are the 7 blood drawing steps?PHLEBOTOMY PROCEDURE ILLUSTRATED:. Patient identification.. Filling out the requisition.. Equipment.. Apply tourniquet and palpate for vein.. Sterilize the site.. Insert needle.. Drawing the specimen.. Drawing the specimen.. |