What Is Phlebotomy?

Phlebotomy is the process of making an incision on a vein in order to introduce or draw blood from the patient for medical purposes.

It can also be referred to as venipuncture. It is the practice of collecting blood samples that assist in diagnosis and monitoring to determine the health status of a patient and thus aid in treatment. Blood drawn, may also be used for another patient who is in need of a blood transfusion or for research purposes. This procedure is carried out by a qualified phlebotomist technician and the blood drawn is given to a physician for study.

A phlebotomist is a medical professional whose work is to draw blood from patients for the specific purpose of phlebotomy. There are some patients who need regular phlebotomy. People who experience excess increase of iron in their blood are some of those who need regular phlebotomy. Also patients who suffer from the polycethemia (the body produces too many red blood cells than needed) condition need to have regular phlebotomy.

What Is The Procedure Of A Phlebotomist?

The procedure starts with the phlebotomist verifying the identity of the patient and preparing the necessary equipment. The professional then washes his/her hands and wears surgical gloves. The patient’s arm is then placed on a flat surface so it is well extended and supported. The phlebotomist then selects the accessible vein and applies tourniquet just slightly above the selected infusion area and instructs the patient to clench their hand.

The selected area is then thoroughly cleaned using an alcohol pad and allowed to dry before the needle is inserted. Once blood starts flowing into the tube, the tourniquet is removed and the patient instructed to relax the hand. Once enough blood sample is collected the needle is removed and gauze firmly placed and held over the infusion area. The tube(s) are then labeled and contaminated materials disposed of properly.

What Is The Significance Of Phlebotomy To Patients?

Phlebotomists collect blood samples and these are then used by doctors to make informed decisions about their patient’s care. The result of the blood components determines the care a patient receives in return. This is one of the major aspects in the importance of phlebotomy; physicians base their assessment of the patient’s condition on the samples they receive from the phlebotomists.

Blood tests play a major role in preventive healthcare, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. For example, blood tests are carried out to monitor cholesterol levels and blood sugar so they can advise the patient on the best lifestyle to adopt. Such tests also prevent the occurrence of major health problems such as heart diseases, diabetes, and other illnesses. All of these tests cannot be performed in the absence of professionals and this clearly shows the importance of phlebotomy in keeping a patient’s health sound as well as treating them when necessary.

When phlebotomists interact with patients they contribute to the quality of their healthcare. Since they are experienced and fully qualified, they are at a better place of giving patients a positive personal experience. This enhances the patient’s perceptions of the care they receive and the facilities they are receiving it from. A positive experience acts as a booster to patient’s confidence that their health is in safe hands.