 
What is a Phlebotomist ?
Phlebotomists are specialised clinical support workers / assistant healthcare scientists, who collect blood from patients for examination in laboratories.
Phlebotomists have the responsibility of obtaining a blood sample without harming the patient or disturbing the nursing care they are receiving at the time, whilst causing the minimum amount of distress and upset in patients who often present with acute anxiety and phobia.
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The Phlebotomist needs to ensure the blood is taken correctly, as damaged specimens may result in unobtainable test results. Once the blood is taken, the Phlebotomist is generally responsible for transporting the specimen to the correct laboratory as and when required.
Entry requirements
There are no specific minimum requirements, although a range of GCSEs would be an advantage.
Training
Many hospitals offer a Certificate of Competency in Phlebotomy and it is a mandatory requirement that locum Phlebotomists hold such a qualification. Training is predominantly practical in nature and will include learning to take blood from different patient groups including children and the elderly.
The course will also cover such topics as:
- The role of phlebotomy within the pathology department and the hospital as a whole.
- The importance of professional standards, codes of practice and local rules.
- The various blood collection methods available to a Phlebotomist.
- The requirements for different sample tubes and labelling protocols.
- Considerations in choosing appropriate sites for venepuncture (the needle puncture site).
- Health and safety considerations.
After training you may be awarded a certificate of competence which will allow you to work without close supervision throughout the hospital. The certificate will also be beneficial if you want to work in another hospital.
Where can I obtain further information?
National Association of Phlebotomists
12 Coldbath Square
London
EC1R 5HL
Tel: 0207 833 8784
Fax: 0208 363 7738
Email: phlebotomy@btinternet.com
Website:www.phlebotomy.org
Institute of Biomedical Science
12 Coldbath Square
London
EC1R 5HL
Tel: 020 7713 0214
Fax: 020 7436 4946
Email: mail@ibms.org
Website:www.ibms.org
Related Links
NHS Agreement
Right To Work In The UK
Working through a Limited Company
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