Phlebotomy Certification Information

Phlebotomy is the process in which intravenous blood is generally extracted for the purpose of either a therapy or for conducting several lap procedures. This is one of the most regular medical procedures. This has been practiced since ancient times for the purpose of curing many diseases, involving a large amount of blood to be drawn from the body. It serves the purpose of diagnostic evaluation or monitoring the various compliments of blood. Any medical condition can be easily discovered in case of any discrepancies related to blood.

Procedure: In the process of Phlebotomy blood is generally extracted from a vein in the forearm also known as Median Cubital Vein. While drawing blood one needs to avoid areas having too many nerves. The Cubital vein on the forearm is ideal as it is superficial, located right below the skin and has lesser number of nerves. The Phlebotomist makes use of evacuated tubes in order to draw blood with a hypodermic needle. There is very little pain involved in this procedure, all you would feel is just a pin prick. In routine cases there is just one unit of blood which is extracted out from a patient. For cases where very small quantities of blood needs to be drawn the phlebotomists makes use of finger sticks. There can be a little soreness as well as redness from the place where the blood is drawn

Usually for elderly patients phebotomist’s may make use of settings and needle. This may be also used for patients who have weak veins. These can be accident victims, obese patients and even oncology patients. The procedure of Phlebotomy requires good knowledge as well as efficient skills. There are dedicated Phlebotomists in most medical organisations, clinics and even blood donation organisations.

Detection uses: Phlebotomy is generally used for diagnostic purposes. The blood drawn for this purpose is generally used for various bacteriological, biochemical, immunology and microbiological purposes. These is  results generally helps to ascertain if the patient is suffering from any specific medical condition or disease. The future course of action can then be decided for the patient.

Therapeutic uses: Intravenous blood is not only drawn for detection purposes but it also finds it uses in providing therapy for many medical conditions. For instance therapeutic phlebotomy is used to withdraw excess iron in case of patients suffering from Hemochromatosis. There can be regulated removals of usually large volumes of blood in case of medical conditions like Polycythemia Vera. This is characterized by very high levels of red blood cells. It may also be used to decrease the volume of blood in people suffering from Pulmonary Edema. Therapeutic phlebotomy may be risky with anemia and thrombosis developing in some patients. Individuals with very high blood pressure and a history of cardiovascular diseases are not ideal candidates for the procedure of phlebotomy.

It may be a little uncomfortable procedure for the patients. However the procedure of Phlebotomy helps in timely detection of numerous diseases and also can be life-saving in certain cases such as Hemochromatosis.

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