Phlebotomists

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

• Collect fluid or tissue samples, using appropriate collection procedures.
• Dispose of blood or other biohazard fluids or tissue, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, or policies.
• Dispose of contaminated sharps, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and policies.
• Document route of specimens from collection to laboratory analysis and diagnosis.
• Draw blood from capillaries by dermal puncture, such as heel or finger stick methods.
• Draw blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.
• Explain fluid or tissue collection procedures to patients.
• Match laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes.
• Organize or clean blood-drawing trays, ensuring that all instruments are sterile and all needles, syringes, or related items are of first-time use.
• Collect specimens at specific time intervals for tests, such as those assessing therapeutic drug levels.
• Conduct hemoglobin tests to ensure donor iron levels are normal.
• Conduct standards tests, such as blood alcohol, blood culture, oral glucose tolerance, glucose screening, blood smears, or peak and trough drug levels tests.
• Enter patient, specimen, insurance, or billing information into computer.
• Process blood or other fluid samples for further analysis by other medical professionals.
• Provide sample analysis results to physicians to assist diagnosis.
• Train other medical personnel in phlebotomy or laboratory techniques.
• Transport specimens or fluid samples from collection sites to laboratories.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

• Draw blood from arteries, using arterial collection techniques.
• Administer subcutaneous or intramuscular injects, in accordance with licensing restrictions.
• Calibrate or maintain machines, such as those used for plasma collection.
• Determine donor suitability, according to interview results, vital signs, and medical history.
• Monitor blood or plasma donors during and after procedures to ensure health, safety, and comfort.
• Serve refreshments to donors to ensure absorption of sugar into their systems.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)