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If you have read articles about phlebotomy and what it takes to get started, you may be left with the impression that phlebotomist jobs are nothing more than sticking someone with a needle and grabbing a little blunt. However, there is a lot more to it than that. Phlebotomy is serious business that is harmless when done correctly but potentially devastating when done incorrectly. For this reason, training is absolutely necessary before someone even thinks about applying for phlebotomist jobs. In many states, certification by a recognized accrediting organization is also required. Though training can usually be completed in less than 400 hours, it is still comprehensive in nature. What is learned in phlebotomist training? Here are just a few of the topics: Proper Venipuncture Techniques - Venipuncture is the official term for accessing the vein to draw blood. The procedure requires very specific techniques to avoid injury and/or infection. For example, students learn the correct angle for needle insertion, procedures for needle relocation, and techniques for stopping bleeding. Prioritizing Veins - A routine part of phlebotomy is to learn to prioritize veins. In other words, the phlebotomist generally has a choice of several different veins in the arm of a given patient. The phlebotomist needs to prioritize them because some are more prone to injury and infection than others are. He starts with the safest vein whenever possible. Sample Preservation - Drawing blood for medical testing is useless if samples are not preserved properly. Phlebotomy training teaches students the proper way to prevent samples from being contaminated. This includes everything from handling tubes and needles prior to insertion and taking proper precautions with samples after they are drawn. Sample Labeling - Even though labeling does not seem like a serious concern, it is when it comes to phlebotomist jobs. Proper labeling of samples could mean the difference between a proper diagnosis and an improper one. Labels need to be clear, accurate, and free from anything that could cause them to be confused. Interaction with Clients - Phlebotomist jobs are rife with stories of clients who did not handle a venipuncture process very well. Phlebotomy students must learn how to deal with fainting patients, comfort those who are overly concerned, and present an overall air of confidence so as not to worry clients. As you can see, training for phlebotomist jobs is more than just learning to stick a needle in someone's arm. The training phlebotomist is one who can perform the venipuncture without problems, time after time. Comprehensive training is necessary to make that happen. Even so, the best phlebotomists are still not able to go an entire career without encountering some emergencies. That is yet another reason why training is so important. Training teaches phlebotomists how to react so that emergencies are dealt with properly. If you are interested in phlebotomy then check with your local Red Cross, community college, or hospital. They should be able to point you in the direction of good training program. Search for Phlebotomist Jobs and Phlebotomist Employment Opportunities at HealthJobsUSA.com.
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