Phlebotomist Profile

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Laboratory personnel perform laboratory analysis, or tests, on specimens collected from patients. These specimens take many forms including blood, urine and other body fluids but the most common, and often most important, is the blood specimen. Any laboratory test is only as good as the quality of the specimen collected for that test. Phlebotomists are the laboratory professionals who draw and often transport blood specimens for laboratory testing. Their role is critical to patient care.

Phlebotomy: the act of letting blood by opening a vein.

Nature of the Work

Phlebotomists obtain blood specimens from patients using techniques such as venipuncture and skin puncture while using required safety precautions. Many health professionals are trained to draw blood but phlebotomists do the bulk of blood specimen collection. A successful phlebotomist has excellent manual skills and techniques . Phlebotomists often transport and process the specimens as well. Ability to work with persons of varying states of health and strict attention to detail especially regarding to labeling and cataloguing specimens are critical to this profession.

Work Environment

Phlebotomists work primarily in hospitals, commercial laboratories, blood banks and doctor's offices. They may also work in home healthcare, product development or scientific research environments.

Education, Training and Certification

Phlebotomists have, at minimum, high school degrees or the equivalent. California requires that all phlebotomists be certified by the State of California, Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services Division. Contact Laboratory Field Services for further details.

Advancement and Job Outlook

There are three levels of certification for phlebotomists as well as supervisory opportunities. The employment outlook for this profession is very good. There is currently a 14% shortage of phlebotomists in the laboratory workforce in the state of California.

Salary

TBD

Educational Programs

For a complete list of programs contact Laboratory Field Services at (510) 620-3800.