Phlebotomy is the practice of obtaining a blood sample for diagnostic purposes. Blood drawings are important procedures that require knowledge and skill of an educated and registered clinical phlebotomist and must be performed in a sterile and safe manner. To understand the basics of phlebotomy, it’s important to know some of its key principles.

Using Safety-Winged Blood Collection Sets

Safety-winged blood collection sets are some of the most important tools used in phlebotomy. Also known as butterfly needles, these small sets include a needle with a wing on either side that help ensure a secure grip during insertion and removal. It’s important to note that these needles must be used properly to avoid causing any unnecessary harm to a patient.

When using safety-winged blood collection sets, always proceed with caution when inserting the needle, and keep an eye on the wings to make sure they remain securely in place during removal. These needles should never be reused or shared between patients for reasons of patient safety and hygiene.

Adhering to Sterile Procedures

In addition to using proper professional-grade blood collection sets, it’s crucial for phlebotomists to adhere to sterile procedures when obtaining a blood sample. This starts with proper hand hygiene and the use of gloves while collecting the specimen. It’s also important for all materials used to be kept clean and free of any contamination.

Finally, once the sample meets the collection tube requirements, proper labeling with all the necessary information is critical. This criteria often includes the patient’s name, date of birth, and test required.

Understanding Patient Safety

Along with following sterile procedures and proper use of blood collection sets, it is also important to understand patient safety when performing phlebotomy. It’s essential for phlebotomists to always remain aware of their environment and be mindful of any potential risks or hazards that may arise.

Additionally, they must be attuned to the needs of the patient and respectful of the amount of discomfort they may experience during the procedure. Phlebotomists may resort to professional empathy strategies to assist in comforting the patient, in addition to inserting a level of humanness to help the patient gain trust in the tech and procedure.

Understanding the basic principles of phlebotomy can make or break a tech’s ability to draw accurate blood samples from patients. Each phlebotomist must adhere to the code of ethics and conduct in addition to using proper medical supplies.

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