Phlebotomist

A phlebotomist is a medical professional who is trained to collect blood samples. Phlebotomists collect and prepare your blood for testing so it can be analyzed in a laboratory.

Phlebotomists are trained to collect blood samples from:

• Your veins (called venipuncture)
• Your fingers by skin puncture (called finger pricks or fingersticks)
• Your heel by skin puncture (called heel pricks or heelsticks), used mainly in babies

What does a phlebotomist do?

A phlebotomist’s main job is to collect blood samples. More specifically, phlebotomists:

• Help people get ready for blood draws, including offering support when people are nervous or scared
• Check each person’s identity before drawing their blood
• Label all collection tubes clearly and correctly
• Make sure all equipment is clean and sanitized before use
• Find the best vein or area to draw blood from
• Draw blood samples
• Provide support if someone doesn’t feel good or has a reaction after their blood is drawn
• Keep track of blood samples and store them safely until they’re sent to the lab or blood bank
• Keep blood draw supplies organized
• Support healthcare staff as needed

How do they get blood samples?

If you’re having your blood drawn through your vein, you can expect the following:

1. The phlebotomist will introduce themselves and verify your identity.
2. They’ll put on gloves and tie a stretchy band (called a tourniquet) around your upper arm to help find a vein. They may ask you to squeeze a rubber ball while they’re looking for a vein.
3. They’ll choose which vein they’re going to draw from and clean the area with an alcohol swab.
4. They’ll insert a needle into your vein and attach a vial to the needle to collect the blood sample. They may collect just one vial or multiple, depending on which tests your healthcare provider ordered.
5. Once they have enough blood, they’ll release the tourniquet and then remove the needle.
6. They’ll apply pressure to the skin where the blood was taken with a cotton ball to stop any bleeding and throw away the needle. They may ask you to hold the cotton in place briefly while they throw away the needle.
7. They’ll put a bandage on the area, and you’ll be ready to go home.

Where do phlebotomists work?

Phlebotomists work in a variety of healthcare settings where blood is collected. They typically collect blood samples that are sent to testing laboratories to help diagnose or treat conditions. Phlebotomists may travel to homes or workplaces, public health agencies or blood donation centers. Some of the places you can find them are:

• Diagnostic laboratories
• Hospitals
• Community health centers and clinics
• Physician’s offices
• Public health agencies
• Long-term care facilities and assisted living facilities

How do you become a phlebotomist?

The requirements vary from state to state. In most cases, you need certification from a completed phlebotomy program. Phlebotomy programs are typically offered at technical and vocational schools and community colleges. They often take less than a year to complete.

Specific steps to becoming a phlebotomist include:

1. Graduating high school or earning a GED
2. Applying to and being accepted by an accredited phlebotomy program
3. Completing a phlebotomy program, which involves classwork and hands-on training
4. Earning a certificate from a phlebotomy program
5. Taking a certification exam

The exam usually consists of a written and a practical section. You’ll be required to show your ability to draw blood, label samples, sanitize equipment and more.

There are three levels of certification that a phlebotomy program can offer, including:

• Limited Phlebotomy Technician (LPT): Certified to perform skin puncture blood collection only.
• Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT I): Certified to perform skin puncture and venipuncture blood collection. Most of the ones you see are this type.
• Certified Phlebotomy Technician II (CPT II): Certified to perform skin puncture, venipuncture and arterial puncture blood collection. Artery blood collection is more advanced