One small mistake can make a world of difference in the well-being of a patient, and their diagnosis. Before a phlebotomist can take a blood sample, he/she must identify the patient correctly in addition to compare the physicians work order with other identification like a hospital bracelet. To properly identify a patient: PATIENT IDENTIFICATION
• check armband/ID label in acute care settings
• check driver’s license/picture ID in outpatient settings
• ASK, COMPARE, VALIDATE
SPECIMEN COLLECTION AND HANDLING
• physician orders indicate type of specimen and time of collection
According to the bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of phlebotomists is projected to grow 24 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, blood donor centers, and other locations will need phlebotomists to perform bloodwork. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/phlebotomists.htm
Certified Phlebotomists can work in:
INPATIENT FACILITIES
• hospitals
• nursing homes
• rehabilitation centers
OUTPATIENT FACILITIES
• physician’s