Phlebotomy Program: Description of the Profession

	Phlebotomy Links Overview Getting Started: Quick Facts Description of Profession Courses Prerequisites Essential Functions Phlebotomy Student Handbook Fingerprinting Form Faculty Certification Exams Clinical Affiliates Professional Organizations _& Contacts CSCC Home			What is Phlebotomy? The phlebotomist is an important member of the health care team whose primary role is to collect blood specimens for testing. The results of this testing allow a physician to make decisions regarding the diagnoses and treatment of illnesses. NAACLS has defined the following skills that phlebotomists are proficient in: a. collecting, transporting, handling and processing blood specimens for analysis; b. recognizing the importance of specimen collection in the overall patient care system; c. relating the anatomy and physiology of body systems and anatomic terminology to the major areas of the clinical laboratory, and to general pathologic conditions associated with body systems; d. identifying and selecting equipment, supplies and additives used in blood collection; e. recognizing factors that affect specimen collection procedures and test results, and taking appropriate actions within predetermined limits, when applicable; f. recognizing and adhering to infection control and safety policies and procedures; g. monitoring quality control within predetermined limits; h. recognizing the various components of the health care delivery system; i. recognizing the responsibilities of other laboratory and health care personnel and interacting with them with respect for their jobs and patient care; j. demonstrating professional conduct, stress management, interpersonal and communication skills with patients, peers and other health care personnel and with the public; k. demonstrating an understanding of requisitioning and the legal implications of their work environment; l. applying basic principles in learning new techniques and procedures; m. recognizing and acting upon individual needs for continuing education as a function of growth and maintenance of professional competence.