Phlebotomy and Phlebotomists

 What is phlebotomy?

It is a process to produce puncture in the vein usually in the arms with a cannula in order to draw blood for further procedures. The process itself is known as venipuncture which is also used in intravenous therapy. The person who is performing phlebotomy is known as a phlebotomist. Most of the doctors, nurses and other paramedical staff are also able to perform this procedure. 

Therapeutic Phlebotomies:

Phlebotomies which are carried out in some disorders or in particular conditions are regarded as therapeutic phlebotomists. These are destined to treat some serious medical conditions which are chronic hives. In this procedure the phlebotomist removes extra red blood cells which are distorted in shape, or extra iron in their blood. Therapeutic phlebotomy is used to perform following disorders 

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Sickle cell anemia

Porphyria cutanea tarda

Hemochromatosis

Polycythemia vera

All of these diseases required special treatment and care. They must be handled with extra care and support.

Phlebotomists:

Phlebotomists are the authorized individuals who are specially trained to perform phlebotomy. They are able to draw bloods from the veins either for clinical or medical testings.certain other procedures are also involved to draw blood from the individuals which include transfusion, research purpose or donation of blood. Some phlebotomy procedures are done to determine various levels of hormones and constituents present in the blood. 

Collection of blood by phlebotomy:

Blood is collected primarily by the process of venipuncture or phlebotomy; sometimes finger ticks are also used. In infants heel sticks are used to withdraw blood from them in very minute quantities. The phlebotomist’s duties may include interpreting the test results, drawing blood into the correct tubes having the relevant additives in them. 

Duties of phlebotomists:

It is also the duty of a phlebotomist to tell all the correct procedures to the patients and prepare their minds accordingly. They must also practice the required forms of asepsis. They must also practice different standards and follow universal precautions. They must make sure to restore the homeostasis of the puncture site. They must also give relevant instructions on post puncture care. It is also part of the duty to properly label the tubes with electronically printed labels. Delivering the right specimen to the correct department of the laboratory is also considered as the main duty of the phlebotomist. The phlebotomist must be registered and licensed enough to carried out their job.

Read more: Phlebotomy Technician Program Los Angeles