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Learning about patients as a phlebotomist

I swear to God, if you come any closer, I will kill you,” said the 30-­something year old, arms as wide as bazookas, eyes as piercing as the very needles I was about to stick him with. He was hooked up to IVs on every limb, had tubes coming out of his nose and going down his throat, but other than that, he was about as physically fit as anyone I’d ever seen.

Frightened, sweaty and wide-eyed, I quickly looked at the nurse, hoping she’d tell me what to do next. All the nurses so far had been nice to me, so willing to help. But not this one. With her SpongeBob SquarePants scrubs with neon pink crocs accompanied by a how the heck should I know? look, she shrugged and left the…

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Featured

 When It’s Difficult to Draw Blood: Tips from Phlebotomists

One of the biggest frustrations phlebotomists face is running into a “difficult stick”, a situation when it’s difficult to draw blood from the vein. It happens more often than you might think, and it’s not limited to one group. You’ll see it in older adults, younger patients, and everyone in between. That’s why we’ve put together some go-to tips on what to do when it’s difficult to draw blood.

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Customer Service—The Buck Stops Everywhere!

We all know the scene where someone has a “lab complaint.” It typically centers on having their blood drawn, getting stuck multiple times, having a result not ready, or heaven forbid, having to suffer a “re-draw.”

Phlebotomists “versus” nurses – who should draw blood?

There has been some debate within the medical field as to whether a phlebotomist or a nurse should be responsible for obtaining blood samples from patients. While it is true that nurses start IVs, phlebotomists are specially trained to collect blood specimens in a number of ways. The reality is that starting an IV and obtaining a blood sample are two very different techniques

The complete guide to drawing blood

We have more blood tests today than ever. Yet, the painful needles and syringes haven’t changed much since 1955. Since pain aversion is a natural human reaction, people skip routine checkups. Yet many people are not aware of how blood tests go, what doctors check, and that they can make it less painful.

The Not-So-Simple Art of the Blood Test

I RECALL asking the woman who was about to stick a needle into the arm of my 4-year-old daughter what she was: “Are you a nurse? A doctor?” “No,” she said. “I’m a phlebotomist.”

The phlebotomist’s guide to a less painful blood draw

It is important for a phlebotomist to know that some people do not mind having their blood drawn, while others may have a fear or a phobia (hemophobia) about it.

Resources

Center for Phlebotomy Education

It is our mission to empower those who perform, teach, and manage blood collection procedures for clinical testing to do so with professionalism, integrity, precision and compliance.

ePhlebotomist.com

ePhlebotomist.com is here to provide you with the best information available regarding your career as a phlebotomist.

National Association of Phlebotomists

We are the professional body representing practising Phlebotomists in the UK.

National Phlebotomy Association

In 1978, the National Phlebotomy Association established an industry for the healthcare community and has been the only organization concerned with all aspects of educating and certifying the nation's phlebotomists.

Phlebotomy Coach

PhlebotomyCoach.com is the web's leading national phlebotomy education resource. We have put together a clear and concise mission statement and plan of action to help you reach your career goals.

Phlebotomy Training Group

All there is to know about phlebotomy training classes, requirements & associated costs.

PhlebotomyTrainingResource.com

Welcome to PhlebotomyTrainingResource.com, one of the best sites online for phlebotomy training information! On this site, you’ll find a number of great resources including information about where you may be able to find phlebotomy training (listed at the bottom of each state page), state-specific phlebotomy certification information, as well as other helpful articles and information.

American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians

ASPT is Nationally and Internationally recognized as an organization that prides ourselves in offering the most current training and certification available, following the CLSI standards.

Phlebotomist's Association of Ireland

The Phlebotomist’s Association of Ireland was set up in 1995 by the members of the Phlebotomy profession, to look at and address various issues of concern to the profession and to meet the needs of Phlebotomists throughout the country

8 Rookie phlebotomy mistakes (and how to avoid them) when starting out

As a nurse, one of my favourite clinical skills to perform is phlebotomy. And as a clinical trainer, one of my favourite subjects to teach also happens to be phlebotomy. What a skill! It’s one of the most important diagnostic tools in medicine. I love seeing people have their first go and realise they can actually do it. I love seeing them blossom and become more proficient with performing phlebotomy over time. But it can be a little tricky to begin with. If you are starting out with phlebotomy, I promise it gets easier over time. And hopefully these tips will help you learn what to expect in the early days.

Lab Tests Online

The site is produced by AACC, a global scientific and medical professional organization dedicated to clinical laboratory science and its application to healthcare.

Lablogatory

A blog for medical lab professionals

LabMedicine

Lab Medicine is ASCP's quarterly periodical dedicated to providing continuing education, career development, and new technologies to laboratory professionals.

PhlebotomyEdu.com

We strive to offer trusted reviews and information on Phlebotomy Training. This site was created to help you quickly get information about Phlebotomy Training, read reviews and find the best merchants to do business with.