Phlebotomy Resources

Writing The Phlebotomy Certification Exam – Are You Ready?

If you are considering taking the phlebotomy certification exam but are not sure whether you are fully prepared for it, there are plenty of online resources that can provide you with useful information. the internet can provide you useful information in the field of phlebotomy. This information will help you determine whether you are ready to pas the exam, or need further training.

Is Phlebotomy The Right Career Choice?

Before enlisting in a phlebotomy certification course, it’s important that you determine that phlebotomy is the right career choice for you. Simply put, can you see yourself being a phlebotomist years down the road?

To help you make this decision, contact your local Bureau of Labor Statistics. This organization can provide you with the following helpful information that will help you decide if phlebotomy is right for you:

- Available Phlebotomy courses
- Admission requirements
- Phlebotomy job requirements
- Average salary

Determining this information before you write your phlebotomy certification will make it much easier for you to decide whether you have the skills that will ensure you thrive at this profession.
(more…)

Becoming A Phlebotomist – Phlebotomy Certification Tips

The collection of blood and other bodily fluids is performed by those with a phlebotomy certification. A phlebotomy technician, or phlebotomist, is a skilled healthcare worker trained to safely collect blood and other samples for analysis. Phlebotomists work alongside nurses and doctors in hospitals, private healthcare clinics, laboratories, and blood banks.

Phlebotomists undergo extensive training to be able to safely and efficiently perform blood collections. Phlebotomists attend phlebotomy training sessions in traditional classroom settings or online. Phlebotomists complete hours of hands-on clinical training. Phlebotomists are taught human anatomy and physiology, blood collection and storage techniques, interpersonal skills, administrative activities, first aid and CPR. Certification for phlebotomists exists but is only required of practicing technicians in Louisiana and California. Still, many employers will not hire uncertified phlebotomists; therefore it is a strong asset for a phlebotomist to hold certification. Associate and bachelor’s degrees are available to those interested in phlebotomy. These programs can take two to four years to complete and cost five to ten times more. Not surprisingly, certification programs are the most popular for phlebotomists.

There are many different agencies and organizations which maintain high standards for phlebotomy certification and education, as well as set safety standards and procedures. Phlebotomy schools and training programs should use materials and meet the standards set by the Clinical and Laboratory Sciences Institute (CLSI), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), as well as the United States Department of Education or other state agencies. Phlebotomists have the option of being certified through ten nationally recognized certifying agencies. These include the American Certifying Agency (ACA) for Healthcare Professionals, the American Phlebotomy Association (ACA), and the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
(more…)

Helpful Phlebotomy Certification Tips

If you are considering becoming a phlebotomist, getting your phlebotomy certification is a smart move. It will vastly increase the number of job opportunities available, and will help you earn more money the day you are hired.

Not to be confused with a nursing assistant, those with a phlebotomy certification are solely responsible for drawing blood from a patients veins. The job pays well, is in high demand across the country, and requires a relatively short period of training in order to become certified (8-24 months).

Before explaining the phlebotomy certification process and the required qualifications and training, let’s learn more about the phlebotomy profession.

Simply put, phlebotomy (pronounced “flebotomy”)is the process of extracting blood from a patient’s body for further diagnosis and analysis. Drawing blood and transporting it to the clinic may appear relatively simple, but it is actually a rather complex process that requires skill and practice.

Phlebotomists must learn multiple blood drawing techniques, including:

- Venipuncture
- Capiliary puncture
- Arterial puncture
(more…)

Phlebotomy Essentials Book

Phlebotomists receive specialized training. Phlebotomists are knowledgeable of human anatomy and physiology, blood collection techniques, and safety procedures and protocols. A good textbook is a great asset to any student. Phlebotomy students should consider reading Phlebotomy Essentials (4th edition) by Ruth E McCall and Cathee M Tankersley. Phlebotomy Essentials is intended for phlebotomy students and practicing phlebotomists. However, many topics are covered (including duties often performed by laboratory assistants and medical assistants) and the book’s appeal extends to a wide range of healthcare practitioners.

Phlebotomy Essentials is a clear and concise reference for phlebotomy procedures and techniques. Printed in full-color, Phlebotomy Essentials provides a comprehensive background in phlebotomy theory and principles in addition to accurate and practical information and instruction.

Phlebotomy Essentials reflects the current Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines, the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) competencies, and federal regulations. The fourth edition of Phlebotomy Essentials, released in March 2007, is thoroughly updated and enhanced. Updated topics include information regarding safety issues and equipment, laboratory information systems, legal issues, and diagnostic tests. Dangerous practices and problem areas are also identified in the fourth edition. Phlebotomy Essentials is accompanied by a CD-ROM which provides clinical procedure videos, animations, electronic flashcards, and a glossary with audio pronunciations.
(more…)