PHLEBOTOMY AND THE HEALTH CARE
DELIVERY SYSTEM
● Phlebotomy
- Derived from the words: Phleb/o – vein;
-tomy – to cut or make an incision
- Literal meaning is to cut a vein or make an
incision into a vein
- One of the oldest medical procedures known
to man
History of Phlebotomy
• I...
• Blood letting techniques include:
Then Now
⮚ Suction cup devices with lancets used to
● Performed by a ● Performed using form an incision;
cut into a vein a variety of sterile ⮚ Application of blood-sucking worms called
with a sharp needle and “leeches” to an incision;
instrument to lancets
⮚ Barber surgery in which blood from an
drain blood ● Performed by
incision produced by barber’s razor was
● Performed by trained
collected in a bleeding bowl
“barber-surgeons phlebotomist
” or trained ● Standards of
persons practice set by
● Aseptic practices the Clinical and
were not known, Laboratory
so the lancet was Standards
reused for Institute (CLSI)
several patients
PHLEBOTOMY AND THE HEALTH CARE
DELIVERY SYSTEM
● Phlebotomy Phlebotomist
- Derived from the words: Phleb/o – vein;
-tomy – to cut or make an incision - is a trained medical personnel to collect blood
- Literal meaning is to cut a vein or make an samples for laboratory analysis.
incision into a vein - skilled in this field and should develop the
- One of the oldest medical procedures known necessary knowledge and skills and proper
to man attitude to carry out their tasks and
responsibilities as frontliners in allied health.
History of Phlebotomy
Duties of a Phlebotomist
• In the early times people believed that four
body fluids (humors) represent four elements of o A phlebotomist is a person trained to obtain
the universe. blood samples primarily through venipuncture
and microtechniques.
a. Blood
b. Phlegm o In addition to technical, clerical, and
interpersonal skills, the phlebotomist must
c. Yellow bile develop strong organizational skills to handle a
d. Black bile heavy workload efficiently and maintain
accuracy, often under stressful conditions.
• Hippocrates believed that diseases are caused
by an excess of any of these body fluids and Traditional Duties of Phlebotomist
that removal of the excess would cause the 1. Correct identification and preparation of the
body to return to its healthy state. patient before sample collection.
• Thus, bloodletting (removal of blood) 2. Collection of the appropriate amount of blood
procedures had been their only means to cure by venipuncture or dermal puncture for the
diseases and maintain the body in a state of specified tests.
well-being. 3. Selection of the appropriate sample containers
for the specified tests.
, 4. Correct labeling of all samples with required - Dependable, cooperative, committed
information. - Compassionate, courteous, respectful
5. Appropriate transportation of samples back to - Integrity, honesty, competence
the laboratory in a timely manner. - Organized, responsible, flexible
● Communication skills
● Bedside manners
6. Effective interaction with the patients and
hospital personnel.
7. Processing of samples for delivery to the A. APPEARANCE
appropriate laboratory departments. - “First impression lasts”
8. Performance of the computer operations and - Appearance makes a statement of who you
record-keeping pertaining to phlebotomy. are.
9. Observation of all safety regulations, quality - Lab coats should protect clothing
control checks, and preventive maintenance underneath.
procedures. - Shoes should be conservative (closed-toe)
10. Attendance at continuing education programs. and clean.
- Avoid dangling jewelries, facial piercings
Additional duties of Phlebotomist and tattoos.
1. Training other health-care personnel to perform - Make-up should be conservatively applied.
phlebotomy - Close attention to personal.
2. Monitoring the quality of samples collected on - Hair must be pulled back (tied).
the units - Fingernails should be kept short.
3. Evaluation of protocols associated with sample - Perfume and cologne must only be kept to a
collection minimum.
4. Performing and monitoring point-of-care testing - CDC guidelines – when in contact with
(POCT) patients, no artificial nails or extenders
5. Performing electrocardiograms (ECG)
6. Performing measurements of patient’s vital B. ATTITUDE
signs a. Dependability
7. Collection of arterial blood samples - Able to be relied upon
8. Collection of samples from central venous - Self-directed in the importance of work
access devices (CVADs) - Arrives on time, motivated to work, asset
of the lab
Professional and Personal Characteristics b. Cooperative
for Phlebotomists - Plays an active role as a part of the
health care team.
• Phlebotomists are part of a service-oriented c. Committed
industry, and specific personal and professional - Attends staff meetings, reads pertinent
characteristics are necessary for them to be memos, observes notices placed on
successful in this area. bulletin board
• Phlebotomists must always be professional at d. Compassionate
all times. - deep awareness of distress of others and
a desire to alleviate it.
Professionalism - sensitive to patient’s needs and willing to
- Professional image offer reassurance
● Appearance e. Courteous
● Attitude - always ask permission when entering
patient’s room
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller THEEXCELLENCELIBRARY. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $10.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
