Phlebotomist

Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Lab Liaison Technician; Mobile Examiner; Patient Service Technician (PST); Phlebotomist Lab Assistant (Phlebotomist Laboratory Assistant); Phlebotomy Technician (Phlebotomy Tech); Registered Phlebotomist; Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT)

Tasks

• Confirm the identities of patients by verifying their personal information.
• Match laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes.
• Dispose of contaminated sharps, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and policies.
• Dispose of blood or other biohazard fluids or tissue, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, or policies.
• Collect specimens at specific time intervals for tests, such as those assessing therapeutic drug levels.
• Draw blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.
• Organize or clean blood-drawing trays, ensuring that all instruments are sterile and all needles, syringes, or related items are of first-time use.
• Enter patient, specimen, insurance, or billing information into computer.
• Conduct standards tests, such as blood alcohol, blood culture, oral glucose tolerance, glucose screening, blood smears, or peak and trough drug levels tests.
• Process blood or other fluid samples for further analysis by other medical professionals.
• Provide sample analysis results to physicians to assist diagnosis.
• Document route of specimens from collection to laboratory analysis and diagnosis.
• Monitor blood or plasma donors during and after procedures to ensure health, safety, and comfort.
• Explain fluid or tissue collection procedures to patients.
• Transport specimens or fluid samples from collection sites to laboratories.

Knowledge

• Customer and Personal Service
• English Language
• Administrative
• Computers and Electronics
• Education and Training
• Public Safety and Security

Skills

• Speaking
• Active Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Monitoring
• Writing
• Active Learning
• Learning Strategies

Abilities

• Near Vision
• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Problem Sensitivity
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Written Comprehension
• Deductive Reasoning
• Speech Clarity
• Finger Dexterity
• Written Expression
• Information Ordering
• Manual Dexterity
• Speech Recognition
• Inductive Reasoning
• Category Flexibility
• Flexibility of Closure
• Selective Attention