Travelling Phlebotomist Jobs

If you are currently in the process of getting your AMT phlebotomy certification, you have most likely heard of traveling phlebotomist jobs. In some cases, a phlebotomist may be required to travel to a patient’s residence in order to collect a blood sample. This is usually the case with patients that are seriously ill, or that require constant in-home care. However, a phlebotomist may also be responsible for helping out at traveling blood drives, which may cover several locations per week. Here is some more information about traveling phlebotomy jobs.
Why Travel?

By traveling to phlebotomist jobs, you are able to provide the same services, but as part of a mobile medical unit. Traveling phlebotomists are sometimes also referred to as “floating phlebotomists”, since they tend to travel quickly in between jobs. By traveling, you are bringing medical services to people who may be unable to reach these services on their own.

Duties of a Traveling Phlebotomist

When traveling, the duties of a phlebotomist remain mostly the same. A phlebotomist is responsible for drawing blood, as well as ensuring that they are able to do so in a sterile and safe environment. In addition to this, they must document each blood sample, as well as each sample is matched with the correct patient or donor. With a traveling phlebotomist, correct labeling is even more important, as is the safe transportation of collected blood samples. This is why a traveling phlebotomist is often accompanied by an assistant, in order to help ensure that the samples are collected and documented properly.

Difficulties for Traveling Phlebotomists

The main difficulty for a traveling phlebotomist is the lack of a hospital environment in order for them to collect blood samples. The samples may be collected in a medical van or ambulance, which is common in many traveling blood drives. Because of this, a phlebotomist may have a limited amount of space in which to work. In addition to this, they will not have access to the full amount of tools and medical equipment that is present in a hospital. This can be difficult for a number of reasons, mostly due to a lack of resources. If a phlebotomist runs out of a sterilization agent, for example, they need to return to the hospital in order to replenish their supply.

Advantages of Being a Traveling Phlebotomist

By traveling to phlebotomy jobs, you are able to service a greater number of patients and potential blood donors. During a blood drive, for example, there are a much larger number of donors when a phlebotomist travels directly to a school or university.

Requirements for Traveling Phlebotomists

In most cases, the requirements for traveling phlebotomists are the same as for phlebotomists that work in a hospital. This means that they will need to complete a reputable phlebotomist training course, and possibly also complete a phlebotomy certification exam. Most traveling phlebotomists also need to undergo a training period as well, during which they are familiarized with how to work the mobile phlebotomy equipment.