Introduction to Phlebotomy
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Origin of Phlebotomy
Bloodletting with Leeches
Bloodletting using Lancet
Bloodletting in Modern Age
In the modern age, bloodletting for
medical reasons or for medical
investigation, is known as
Phlebotomy.
Phlebotomy is performed by trained
professionals. They primarily use
needles for bloodletting.
Bloodletting in Modern Age
What Is Phlebotomy
• Phlebotomy is the process of making an incision in a
vein with a needle.
• In Greek language:
• ‘Phlebo-’ means ‘a blood vessel’
• ‘-tomy’ means ‘making an incision or a small
prick’
• The procedure of inserting a needle in a vein is known
as venipuncture.
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Drag and Drop
Drag and drop the answers to the given questions and click Submit.
1. What is meant by Phlebotomy?
2. In Greek language, a blood vessel is called:
3. In Greek language, -tomy means
4. If you prick a vein with needle, you are performing
Making an incision in a
vein with a needle
A small prick or making an
incision
Venipuncture
bloodletting
Phlebo-
Submit
Who Is a Phlebotomist
Select the images to identify the task done by a phlebotomist and click Submit.
Labelling blood samples
Refrigerating blood
samples
Drawing blood
samples from patients
Preparing blood samples
for transportation
Disposing needles
Communicating with patients
Submit
Phlebotomist
A phlebotomist is an individual who is trained and
skilled in obtaining blood samples for clinical testing.
Primary Role
Assisting Doctors
Click on the tabs to know what a Phlebotomist does.
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Primary Role of a Phlebotomist
Primary Role
The primary role of a phlebotomist is to obtain blood samples in test tubes and inside the circles marked
on the card (in the case of blood collection from infants).
Phlebotomist – Assisting Doctors
Phlebotomist could also assist doctors in collecting fluids and secretions like:
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Breast cyst aspiration
Breast secretion (nipple
discharge)
Bronchial brushings
Bronchial washings
Effusions
Endometrial washings
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Esophageal brushings
Esophageal washings
Fine needle aspirations
Gastric brushings
Gastric washings
Lymph nodes (Touch prep)
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Peritoneal fluid
Pericardial fluid
Sputum
Pleural fluid
Urine
Water from
Rivers/Ponds/Tap
Responsibilities while Collecting Specimen
The responsibilities of a phlebotomist while collecting specimen include:
Identification of patient
Identification of specimen and single prick
specimen collection
Filling Test Request Form (TRF), billing and
providing date for report collection
Transportation of specimen as per the
recommended temperature
Communication using non-medical terms
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Where do Phlebotomists Work?
Identify and select the places where a Phlebotomist works and click Submit.
Hospital
Laboratory
Nursing Home
Community Health Center
Bank
Home
Blood Donation Center
Submit
Work Cycle of a Diagnostic Laboratory
Pre-Analytic Phase
Analytic Phase
• Specimen Collection
• Sample Distribution
• Specimen Transport &
Registration
• Sample Testing
Post-Analytic Phase
• Result Validation
Click on each phase to know more.
TAT Process of a Laboratory
Click on the tab TAT process of a laboratory to know more.
TAT Process of a Laboratory
Turn Around Time (TAT) in a Laboratory
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Why Phlebotomist Role Is Crucial
Occur
Pre-analytic phase
Errors
Occur
While collecting specimen
70% Errors
Networking
Walk Ins
Errors occurs during:
Errors occurs during:
•Sample collection
•Transportation
•Registration
•Dispatch to departments
Registration
Sample collection
Dispatch to departments
Walk Ins
Networking
Click on the buttons to know more on the kind of errors occurring in pre-analytic phase.
To avoid errors a phlebotomist should diligently follow work instructions and
maintain the required records.
A phlebotomist’s plays a crucial role in minimizing errors occurring in the preanalytic phase.
Necessary Skills for a Phlebotomist
Click images to know more about other necessary skills needed in a phlebotomist.
Awareness of organizations’ policies and procedures
Reading and writing skills
Communication skills and decision-making skills
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Problem-solving, analytical and critical thinking skills
Handling emergencies during Phlebotomy
Further Reading
For more information on this topic, visit the following links:.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phlebotomy
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK138665/
http://www.surgeryencyclopedia.com/Pa-St/Phlebotomy.html
http://www.uams.edu/clinlab/venipuncture.htm
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