Phlebotomy Jobs: a Job That's Versatile
A phlebotomist has a major role in the Healthcare environment. I took a course at Houston Community College and became a certified Phlebotomy Technician. It gave me a life time profession. Working in this job you will collect blood for lab purposes that is used to diagnosis and care for a patient.
Since graduation, I have worked as a health screener and a medical examiner doing contract assignments.
As a professional in this area, I have gained insight and experience into the following:
Locating a vein - The preferred vein for venipuncture is in the front of and below the bend of the arm. However, some people's veins are not distinguished enough for you to use it. The best way to locate a vein is by touch with the tip of your index finger after you have applied a tourniquet.
Which type of needle to use? - The sight of a needle is a scary thing for a lot of people; including me until I completed this course. Using the appropriate gauge of a needle depends on the size and condition of a person's vein the larger the gauge number, the smaller the actual diameter of the needle. For most routine situations, the 21-gauge needle is used.
Healthy Heart Screenings - If you like variety, then you would like traveling from one location to another. These screenings involve finger sticks and venipuncture. A finger stick is performed with a Lancet. It's preferred to use the ring or third finger. At these screenings, any of the following biometrics or tests can be done; blood pressure, height and weight, waist and chest, BMI, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, a ratio, and blood-glucose.
Insurance Exams - Working as a health examiner in this area, I'm able to have a flexible schedule. For these exams, a venipuncture is done and biometrics are performed along with urine specimens. There are also various health forms to be filled out by asking the client for their medical history. Afterwards, the blood specimen collected is centrifuged and shipped with the urine specimen to a lab for processing.
Hand Hygiene - If you are unable to do the standard washing with soap and water the CDC and HICPAC recommends the use of an alcohol-based antiseptic hand cleanser such as Purell.
I feel the phlebotomist is a great asset to the healthcare system.
The information I have presented can be referenced in the Phlebotomy Essentials Fourth Edition by Ruth E. McCall and Cathee M. Tankersley along with my five years of experience in this profession.
