What Does a Phlebotomist Do?
A phlebotomist is a healthcare professional who draws blood samples from patients for testing and analysis. They work in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and blood donation centers. As part of their responsibilities, they identify and label blood samples, collect blood from patients, manage and dispose of needles and other medical equipment, and ensure that all blood collection procedures are conducted safely and hygienically.
To become a phlebotomist, one must have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as specialized training. It is imperative that they pay close attention to detail, have a strong sense of organization, and be excellent communicators. Additionally, a phlebotomist must demonstrate empathy and professionalism when collecting blood samples from patients of all ages and backgrounds. It is also essential that they understand infection control and safety protocols and how to recognize and address adverse reactions or complications during blood collection.
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National Average Salary
Phlebotomist salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Phlebotomist is:
$38,990
Phlebotomist Job Descriptions
The first step when hiring a great phlebotomist is a well-crafted job description. Below are real-world examples to help give you the best chance of success on your recruiting journey.
Example 1
A phlebotomist is needed for urgent hire at [Your Company Name]! A phlebotomist is a person that removes blood from the arm of a patient. Although this job seems simple enough, there are several underlying responsibilities and knowledge needed that you must be aware of prior to applying. Blood can be taken out of the body for multiple reasons. One of these reasons is an attempt to learn about the patient, whether that is figuring out their blood type, testing for diabetes, checking glucose levels, or any other factor that is important for the hospital to know. The second reason is for general lab research. In order to find cures for diseases, solutions to problems, experiments, etc., real blood is needed. The third reason is for donation. Donating blood is crucial for people with illnesses where their bodies cannot supply enough blood on their own, as well as keeping victims of gory incidents alive. Depending on the reasoning for taking the blood, different amounts are needed. This is where the knowledge of the phlebotomist is needed. If small amounts of blood are needed, phlebotomists may take blood from the capillaries, which is slightly different from a vein. On top of all this, you must label patients’ blood samples and continually organize the inventory.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Draw blood from patients and donors
- Talk to people to ease their concerns about the process
- Enter patients’ information in a database
- Label blood for testing
- Use basic medical supplies such as needles and vials
- Clean and sanitize equipment and workspaces
Education and experience
Phlebotomists must have a high school diploma or equivalent. They need to earn a post-secondary certification from a phlebotomy program at a vocational school or community college. These programs, which usually take less than a year, include classes in anatomy and physiology and work in a laboratory.
Required skills and qualifications
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills for dealing with patients, doctors, and staff
- Dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and physical stamina
- Discretion and the ability to handle confidential information
- Ability to work carefully and accurately under pressure
- Caring and compassionate demeanor
- Keen attention to detail
Preferred qualifications
- 3+ years working in a hospital or clinic as a phlebotomist
- Experience working with children and the elderly
- Strong communication skills; both written and verbal
- Ability to work independently or in a team environment
- Comfortable working under minimal supervision
Example 2
Every day, the donors you meet will motivate you. The high-quality plasma you collect will become life-changing medicines. Here, a commitment to customer service and quality is expected. You will report to the Plasma Center Manager and will perform as a plasma donor screener and perform phlebotomy to support plasma center operations.
Responsibilities
- You will answer phones, and greet and focus on our donors, while ensuring the safety of donors and our team
- You will screen new and repeat donors and take and record donor vital signs and finger stick results
- You will use our Donor Information System, prepare donor charts, maintain accurate records, and coordinate donor compensation
- You will help identify operational opportunities for continuous improvement and initiate changes to center processes using company approved procedures
- You will be there for our donors, which includes working a variety of shifts, Saturdays and Sundays, and holidays
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Ability to walk and/or stand for the entire work shift
- Will work evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Ability to lean, bend, stoop, crouch, and reach above shoulders and below knees
- Ability to lift to 5 lbs., and occasional lifting of materials up to 32 lbs. and rarely 50 lbs.
- Fine motor coordination, depth perception, and ability to hear equipment from a distance
- Because of potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens (risk level 1), 90% of work tasks require prolonged glove wear
- 1 or more years minimum experience working in a customer or patient facing role is helpful
Example 3
In this role you will provide exceptional customer service, perform skilled specimen collections and be the face of the company. In addition, you will be provided opportunities for continuous growth within the organization.
Job duties and responsibilities
- Perform blood collections by venipuncture and capillary techniques for all age groups
- Collect specimens for drug screens, paternity tests, alcohol tests, etc.
- Perform data entry of patient information in an accurate and timely manner
- Process billing information and collect payments when required
- Prepare all collected specimens for testing and analysis
- Maintain patient and specimen information logs
- Provide superior customer service to all patients
- Administrative and clerical duties as necessary
- Travel to additional sites when needed
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Phlebotomy certification from an accredited agency is preferred
- Previous experience as a phlebotomist
- Proven track record in providing exceptional customer service
- Strong communication skills; both written and verbal
- Ability to work independently or in a team environment
- Comfortable working under minimal supervision
- Reliable transportation and clean driving record if applicable
- Flexibility to work overtime as needed
- Able to pass a standardized color blindness test
Example 4
Duties and responsibilities
- Measure vital signs, including weight, blood pressure, pulse, and temperature
- Triage and process messages from patients and front office staff to physicians and nurses
- Assure exam rooms are clean and prepared
- Record medical histories and prepare patients for exams
- Prepare charts for patient appointments making sure all necessary information is completed
- Provide instructions to patients as instructed by physician or nurse
- Ensure all related reports, labs, and information is filed is available in patient’s medical records prior to appointment
- Keep exam rooms stocked with adequate medical supplies, maintain instruments, and prepare sterilization as required
- Take telephone messages and provide feedback and answers to patients, physicians, and pharmacies
- Maintain all logs and required checks (i.e. refrigerator temperatures, emergency medications, expired medications, oxygen, cold sterilization fluid change, etc.)
- All other duties as assigned by clinical coordinator or practice administrator
Education and experience requirements
- Must be a current Certified or Registered Medical Assistant (CMA/RMA)
- Be qualified in phlebotomy
- A High School Diploma or equivalent
- 2 or more years of relevant work experience
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent organizational, computer and recordkeeping skills
- Able to communicate accurately and concisely both verbally and in writing
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Knowledge of clinic procedures and regulatory requirements
- Maintain a high level of professionalism
- Able to work some weekends and holidays
Candidate Certifications to Look For
- NPA. The National Phlebotomy Association offers an exam, allowing candidates to not only prove their knowledge and skills but also separate themselves from most other workers in this field. Whether this training and exam are to help a candidate’s skills increase or catch the eye of an employer, this certification offers both.
- CPT. Whether candidates have been in the field for many years, or have no experience, this certificate can be helpful for them. The Certified Phlebotomy Technician certificate offers a certificate to anyone willing to meet the qualifications, which are easily obtainable to committed candidates. These trainings/tests will help candidates flourish in their careers, allowing employers to know they are qualified for the job.
Sample Interview Questions
- What steps do you take to minimize the risk of infection or other complications during blood collection procedures?
- Have you faced a challenging situation or patient in relation to blood collection, and how did you handle it while maintaining patient safety and comfort?
- What steps do you take to identify and label blood samples so they can be tracked and analyzed properly, and how do you communicate with laboratory staff to ensure that results are accurate?
- What do you do to draw blood when your patient is dehydrated?
- What’s your technique for finding the best veins?
- Are you experienced in working with a child’s veins?
- What steps do you take to minimize the risk of infection or other complications during blood collection procedures?
- Have you faced a challenging situation or patient in relation to blood collection, and how did you handle it while maintaining patient safety and comfort?
- What steps do you take to identify and label blood samples so they can be tracked and analyzed properly, and how do you communicate with laboratory staff to ensure that results are accurate?