Skills Required in Phlebotomy
Phlebotomy is the collection of blood samples from patients to send it for medical testing, analysis, donation or transfusion. Phlebotomists collect the blood by puncturing a vein to withdrawal blood by a needle or through a surgical opening. They can also draw blood from finger pricks or heel pricks in infants. These professionals play an essential role in the administration and management of blood draws at various facilities. They can work in laboratories, outpatient care facilities, clinics, hospitals and blood donation centers.
Essential Skills Required In Phlebotomy
1. Excellent communication skills
Phlebotomists offer services to people of all ages hence the need to know the appropriate language to use for respect and complete understanding of the patients. Most of the adults understand the reason for a blood draw, but most are nervous. A little explanation of the procedure helps them to relax. Maintaining eye contact and body language makes patients feel at ease.
2. Attention to the detail
A phlebotomist who works in a healthcare environment attends to a steady flow of patients throughout the working hours. Being precise to the needs of each patient is essential. An accidental mix up of blood and labeling of samples can be disastrous. Keeping track of all the samples will stop such mistakes. Phlebotomists must draw the accurate and track correct vials of the blood and ordered tests for entry into a database. Attention to the detail is a vital skill to prevent patient injury, specimen misplacement or loss.
Phlebotomists should maintain the cleanliness of the environment and organize it well to avoid the risk of confusion, infections and other complications. Preventing degradation or tainting of samples such a Hemolysis is essential to avoid an impact that waters down the test accuracy.
3. Knowledgeable in data entry
A phlebotomist should have the capacity to use computer systems with a method that allows input of specimen data for each patient.Technology know-how and understanding of data entry and sharing with accuracy is essential for proper organization of results.
4. Great coordination skills
Taking blood requires an amount of skill and stable hands. Phlebotomy is efficient with correct handling of equipment and precision when drawing blood. It also requires quick action to minimize the level of distress in the patients. It takes practice to combine speed, efficiency, and deftness. The best thing is to learn at a comfortable pace.
5. Multitasking abilities
Lab duties can make it a bustling place. Doctors, nurses, and patients rely much on the results of blood tests to determine the accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. Other times, there is a need for a fast drawing of blood from many people for instance during events that require a donation of large amounts of blood for transfusion. Phlebotomists should be able to multitask to attend to all requests within deadlines. The ability to stay calm when working under pressure is necessary.
6. Empathy and compassion
Many people do not like needles, and it is essential to understand their feeling and use the skills to make them relax. Strong interpersonal skills are critical in explaining the importance of the process. It is even more difficult when the patient is a child. A phlebotomist should be compassionate by showing concern to patients who are nervous. They should also know how to identify the signs of someone who is scared of the needle but tries to hide it. It helps in better interaction with the patients to make the procedure more relaxed and the job rewarding.
7. Interactive skills
Medical teams comprise of many individuals, and it is essential to be an interactive person who works well with all the other people. Friendliness at work allows the delivery of high standard care for the patients. An ability to follow procedures and instruction goes a long way in enhancing a friendly working relationship. A person who has an interest in phlebotomy and possesses most of the above skills is in line for a great career.
