What precautions do phlebotomists use?
Health workers should wear well-fitting, non-sterile gloves when taking blood; they should also carry out hand hygiene before and after each patient procedure, before putting on and after removing gloves. Clean, non-sterile examination gloves in multiple sizes should be available for personnel who carry out phlebotomy.
What is the work environment like for a phlebotomist?
Phlebotomists work mainly in hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and doctor’s offices. Phlebotomists who collect blood donations sometimes travel to different offices and sites in order to set up mobile donation centers. They also sometimes travel to long-term care centers or patients’ homes.
What’s the best place to work as a phlebotomist?
Here are some examples of the typical health care settings where you can work as a phlebotomist:
- Hospitals. A lot of phlebotomists work in hospital settings.
- Medical and Diagnostic Labs.
- Doctor’s Offices.
- Outpatient Care Centers.
- Mobile Phlebotomists.
- Blood Donation Centers and Blood Drives.
Why do phlebotomists wear gloves?
following the OSHA rules concerning wearing gloves during venipuncture and other invasive procedures. The purpose of gloves is to help prevent direct contact with pathogens, either from contact with body fluids by surface contamination or by needlestick.
What is higher than a phlebotomist?
Laboratory technician is an even more highly skilled position than phlebotomist and will boost your salary accordingly. You may even eventually be inspired to go to medical school to become a doctor.
How stressful is phlebotomy?
As with all healthcare careers, working as a phlebotomist can be a stressful experience. Being responsible for other people’s health and well being is a significant responsibility and the delicate nature of drawing blood is a high-pressure situation.
Can a phlebotomist start an IV?
Someone who is interested in IV therapy, phlebotomy or nursing may receive an IV Certification. This certification can usually be started upon completion of high school or a post-secondary program. IV Certification is typically gained by individuals who are studying to become a phlebotomist, IV therapist or nurse.
What is the most serious error in phlebotomy?
Most often these errors can be prevented by the phlebotomist following correct venipuncture procedure for every procedure, every time. Hidden errors include hemoconcentration, incorrect order of draw, and (the most serious of all errors) misidentification of patient or specimens (Table 5).
What do you need to know about phlebotomy safety?
Any surface which blood has contacted should be sanitized and disinfected immediately. This includes counters, chairs, tables, and any other items exposed to the patient’s blood. One of the greatest safety matters in phlebotomy revolves around needles, often referred to as sharps.
Where is the best place to work as a phlebotomist?
Besides the Red Cross, community blood banks are also great places to work as a phlebotomist. The blood drawn at these places are usually used locally to help save lives. Knowing which type of blood a patient has makes it easier to use their blood for patients in need.
Do you have to wash your hands after a phlebotomy?
It is required that a new pair of gloves be worn for each patient. Although medical exam gloves are used during phlebotomy procedures, the use of soap and water is always recommended. As such, all phlebotomists should wash their hands once the gloves are removed.
When to remove gloves from a phlebotomy patient?
Gloves should be discarded immediately upon becoming contaminated and a new pair donned. Another area of concern with regards to safety, both for the patient and phlebotomy technician, is sanitation of surfaces. Any surface which blood has contacted should be sanitized and disinfected immediately.