Why do phlebotomists follow aseptic techniques during phlebotomy procedures?

Phlebotomy services are primarily performed by the Phlebotomy Services. Services may be arranged for patients at affiliated hospitals or clinics. On a case-by-case basis, phlebotomy may be arranged for an off-campus location with the approval of the Core Director.  

One of the most requested services offered by the McDermott Center Human Genetics lab is phlebotomy, or the drawing of blood from a subject, for the purpose of research investigation. The HGCL has several certified phlebotomists who can help you with your blood drawing needs. He/she will explain the procedure to the subject, use aseptic technique, follow universal safety precautions, withdraw blood into tubes and ensure hemostasis at the puncture site.

Types of Commonly used Blood Tubes:

ColorAdditiveGeneral UsePurpleEDTAGenomic DNA purification
Storage of plasmaRedClot activatorStorage of serumGold/TigerClot activator and serum separationStorage of serumYellowAcid citrate dextrose (ACD)Lymphocyte isolationGreenHeparinStorage of plasmaRedProprietary additive for immediate stabilization of RNARNA Isolation

It is the responsibility of the investigator and their research staff to instruct the phlebotomist as to the type, number, and volume of appropriate tubes needed per their IRB-approved protocol.

Important information for Phlebotomy/CTSA Investigators

The Human Genetics Clinical Core Laboratory is supported in part by the NIH National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (UL1TR001105). All investigators using the Core Phlebotomy services will need to include the following acknowledgement below in any publications:

collect blood samples from patients. practice proper patient identification, especially when working on hospital floors. label vials with patient names and dates. decipher the best method for drawing blood depending on the specific patient.

What are the four main functions of phlebotomy today?

Phlebotomists typically do the following:

  • Draw blood from patients or blood donors.
  • Explain their work to help relax patients or donors who feel nervous about having blood drawn.
  • Verify a patient's or donor's identity.
  • Label the collected blood for testing or processing.

What are the duties and responsibilities of a phlebotomist?

What are 5 duties of a phlebotomist?

Phlebotomist Job Responsibilities:

Verifies patient identification and explains sampling procedures to patients. Obtains blood specimens by performing venipunctures and finger sticks. Maintains specimen integrity by using aseptic technique, following department procedures, and observing isolation procedures.

What are three duties of a phlebotomist?

Preparing patients before drawing blood. Explaining blood draw procedures to patients and answering any questions about the process. Following all health and safety protocols and procedures to maintain sanitary work areas.

What two skills are important for phlebotomy?

Two skills that are important for a phlebotomist are hand-eye coordination and compassion. Phlebotomists work on the front line with patients and draw blood for tests, research, donation, or even transfusions. While many important skills are needed to work as a phlebotomist, coordination and compassion are the highest.

What is the first thing the phlebotomist should do?

Phlebotomy tasks and duties

The first thing a phlebotomist must do is correctly identify the patient.

What are some phlebotomist skills?

Essential phlebotomy skills

  • Measuring the correct amount of blood.
  • Properly handling the equipment used for drawing specimens.
  • Accurately entering data into a database.
  • Correctly labeling vials with patient information and date of collection.
  • Preparing and sending specimens to the lab.

What are the four phlebotomy techniques?

  • Capillary method-
  • Venipuncture-
  • Fill up sample tubes-
  • Complete procedure-
  • Prepare for transportation of samples-

How do you describe phlebotomy on a resume?

Known for being highly accurate and organized in collecting, preparing, and storing blood samples. Responsible for a variety of venipuncture techniques involving the collection of blood specimens from patients for lab procedures and used in diagnosis.

What is the biggest mistake a phlebotomist can make?

Common Mistakes Phlebotomy Technicians Should Avoid

  • Drawing blood from the wrong patient. This may be one of the rarest mistakes but misidentifying patients do happen. ...
  • Labeling mistake. ...
  • Lack of knowledge in using equipment properly. ...
  • Poor phlebotomy techniques.

What should I say in a phlebotomy interview?

Tell me about your experience with drawing blood. Talk about types of patients you worked with, your training experience, and externship. Often one phlebotomy interview question is about your knowledge––order of draw, medical equipment, or blood draw procedure. Refresh yourself on these subjects.

What are three skills used in phlebotomy when approaching a patient?

What are three skills used in approaching a patient? social skills, administrative/clerical skills, and technical skill.

What do phlebotomist do besides draw blood?

In addition to taking patient blood samples, you might perform clerical tasks, maintain equipment, conduct lab work or perform data entry. Phlebotomists are typically also trained to help patients feel comfortable for a procedure; and on how to provide assistance if a patient has an adverse reaction to a procedure.

What do phlebotomists do in a day?

Completing Your Workday: Daily Phlebotomy Responsibilities

For example, you'll prepare patients for lab draws and perform venipunctures for testing. You'll also need to carefully watch patients to ensure they handle the draw well. After a draw, you'll need to properly prepare samples for testing.

Is phlebotomy an aseptic technique?

Aseptic technique must be used for venipuncture and arterial puncture. The prepared site or the needle should never be touched during phlebotomy. Sterile syringes and Vacutainer® tubes must be used to avoid contamination by the reflux phenomenon (backflow of blood from the tubes to the patient).

Why is it important to follow the correct flow of phlebotomy?

Preanalytical errors damage an institution's reputation, diminish confidence in healthcare services, and contribute to a significant increase in the total operating costs, both for hospital and laboratory. A phlebotomist must demonstrate proper blood collecting skills at all times.

What are the most important aspect of phlebotomy procedure?

planning ahead – this is the most important part of carrying out any procedure, and is usually done at the start of a phlebotomy session; using an appropriate location – the phlebotomist should work in a quiet, clean, well-lit area, whether working with outpatients or inpatients (see Section 3.3.

What antiseptic should the phlebotomy technician use to collect a blood culture?

To help ensure accurate test results, the specimen should be brought to the laboratory for testing within 1 hr 2 hr (1 hr is preferred). Clean the venipuncture site with an antiseptic that does not contain alcohol, such as chlorhexidine gluconate.