Phlebotomy, the Art of Venipuncture

By Edward Brown

The Phlebotomy Technician provides the practical knowledge and the specialized skill needed to draw blood from patients in a healthcare or outpatient setting. In addition, a formally trained phlebotomy student attends a structured training curriculum that uses a competency-based approach, skilled in venipuncture, micro-collection of blood, collection and transportation of clinical laboratory specimens, and public relations.

The training curriculum uses a theoretical and hands-on experience to ensure students acquire the skills necessary to meet and exceed the employers expectations, preparing the student for the role of a Phlebotomist in various healthcare settings.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BooxAi
• Release date: Sep 2, 2023
• ISBN: 9789655784077

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE REVIEW

PHLEBOTOMY: PAST AND PRESENT AND THE HEALTH-CARE SETTING

The phlebotomist’s role is ever-changing. Below is a list of the duties and responsibilities associated with the phlebotomist’s role today:

Prepares the patient for collection procedures associated with laboratory samples

Collects routine skin punctures and venous specimens for testing as required

Prepares specimens for transport to ensure stability of sample

Maintains patient confidentiality

Transports specimens to the laboratory

Complies with all procedures instituted in the procedure manual

Promotes good public relations with patients and hospital personal

Assists in collecting and documenting monthly workload and recording data

Maintains safe working conditions

Performs laboratory computer operations

Participates in continuing education programs

Collects and perform point-of-care testing (POCT)

Performs quality control checks on POCT instruments

Performs skin tests

Processes specimens and perform basic laboratory tests

Collects urine drug screens

Performs electrocardiography (if required by position)

Performs front office duties, current procedural terminology coding and so on

General practices of phlebotomy

Definition: The term is derived from the Greek language, phleb which relates to veins, and tomy which relates to cutting

Function: Primary function of the phlebotomist is to provide accurate, safe, and reliable collection and transportation of specimens to the clinical laboratory

Purpose

Monitoring of patient’s health status

Diagnostic Testing

Therapeutic assessments

Public Relations and Client Interaction

As a member of the clinical laboratory team, the phlebotomist plays an important role in public relations for the laboratory. A confident phlebotomist with a professional manner and a neat appearance helps to put the patient at ease and establish a positive relationship. The following list attributes that are necessary to achieving this goal.

Professional Behavior

Sincere interest in health care

Accountability for doing things right

Dedication to high standards of performance

Propensity for cleanliness

Pride, satisfaction and self-fulfillment in the job

Effective Team Member

Understand the mission

Know basic skills for group process and team dynamics

Understand relevance and commitment to team goals

Be reliable and dependable

Communicate ideas and feelings

Participate in decision making

Be flexible in decision making

Constructively manage conflicts

Contributes to the cohesion of the team

Contributes to problem-solving strategies

Supports and encourages other team members

Patient’s Bill of Rights

The Patient's Bill of Rights has been adopted by many hospitals as declared by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). The basic patient rights endorsed by the JCAHO follow in condensed form below:

The patient has the right to:

Impartial access to available or medically indicated treatment or accommodations, regardless of race, creed, sex, national origin, or sources of payment for care

Considerate, respectful care

Confidentiality of all communications and other records pertaining to care

The expectation that any discussion or consultation involving the patient's case will be conducted discreetly and that uninvolved individuals will not be present without the patient's permission.

The expectation of reasonable safety in keeping with hospital practices and environment.

The identity and professional status of individuals providing service and the knowledge of which physician or other practitioner is primarily responsible for his or her care.

Complete and current information from the practitioner about diagnosis, treatment, and any known prognosis in terms the patient can reasonably be expected to understand.

Reasonable informed participation in decisions involving the patient's health care. The patient shall be informed if the hospital proposes to engage in or perform human experimentation or other research/educational procedures affecting his or her care or treatment. The patient has the right to refuse participation in such activity.

Consultation with a specialist at the patient's own request and expense.

Refusal of treatment to the extent permitted by law.

Request and acceptance of an itemized and detailed explanation of the total bill for services rendered in the hospital, regardless of the source of payment.

Knowledge of hospital rules and regulations regarding patient conduct.

Patient