Phlebotomy Certification Information

Phlebotomy technician, or phlebotomist, is a health professional responsible for collecting quality specimen may it be of blood or any other body fluid. Phlebotomy technicians are actually representing medical laboratory by dealing with patients directly. This profession is a good way to join medical field for those who desire to serve others in any way. Responsibilities of a phlebotomy technician include:

• Explaining specimen collection process to the patients.
• Taking blood or any other sample from patient’s body and perform the needful post-procedure actions like bandage etc.
• Taking any required readings such as blood pressure and pulse rate.
• Maintaining patient records.
• Prepare any required reagents or stains.
• Ensure proper cleaning and sterilization of all medical equipments used in the process.
• Sending the properly sealed sample to the lab well in time.

Phlebotomy technicians work in different medical settings like hospitals, labs, clinics, blood donation centers and other health care facilities. They may have to visit home bound patients on occasion when patient can’t travel to the hospital. Most of their work requires standing and walking, so one who desires to join this career must have the required patience and stamina.

Since public hospitals and private clinics work in shifts, the phlebotomist can choose to work at any time of the day as per the shifts offered by the hospital they work in. At times, they may require attending the patient upon emergency calls, however this happens occasionally.

To become a phlebotomy technician one can opt for certification, diploma or degree. Whichever route one may choose, all gives basic insight on different venipuncture techniques for different types of patients. The candidate learns about various blood sampling procedures and how to handle different lab equipments along with additional courses as per the content which depends upon the course duration.

Though phlebotomy certification is optional but those technicians having proper certification are more in demand. At times, experience in the field may be enough to get a job but still the power of certification can’t be underestimated. By acquiring different phlebotomy certificates one can enhance the chances of getting a job in different healthcare settings like acquiring the certificate of Donor Phlebotomy Technicians (DPT) makes it easy for the phlebotomist to get a job in blood collection centers.

Still there is another case when employers make it mandatory for the phlebotomist to be a certified phlebotomist technician. It is here when experience is not enough and certification becomes a must. Thus, certifications not only increase knowledge but also employability and one who wishes to step into this career should follow a study route that matches their study background. To get admission in any phlebotomy program, candidates usually require a high school diploma, preferably in science and math subjects.

There are different institutes like The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and the American Society for Phlebotomy Technicians which takes phlebotomy exams and upon passing awards the candidate the title of Certified (or registered) Phlebotomy Technician (CPT [or RPT]).

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