Phlebotomy has evolved from the use of leeches for blood collection to modern-day certified phlebotomists.
Phlebotomists are responsible for the collection, processing, and transportation of blood specimens.
Professionalism includes such things as a positive attitude and appearance plus keeping up with current information in the field. Public image starts with the first impression and is expressed in your behavior and methods of communication. Communication and customer service are necessary to maintain your public image and confidence and cooperation from your supervisor, patients, and co-workers.
Phlebotomists can be employed at hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, clinics, physicians' offices, ambulatory care centers, blood banks, and reference laboratories.
The regulating agencies for phlebotomy include CLSI, JCAHO, HCFA, DHHS, CDC, and OSHA.
Infection control and safety practices include hand hygiene, gloving, Standard Precautions, and isolation precautions.
HIPAA provides protection of health care information. Ethics consists of a set of rules, procedures, or guidelines that helps determine right from wrong. The law includes following your scope of practice, policies, and procedures at your facility and obtaining consent for phlebotomy procedures.
