
How to study for a phlebotomy test?
- Route 1: Graduate from high school or GED; Complete NAACLS-approved phlebotomy program in the last five years
- Route 2: Graduate from high school or GED; Complete approved two-part formal phlebotomy program in the U.S. ...
- Route 3: Graduate from high school or GED; Complete one year of at least 35 hours/week work experience as a phlebotomy technician
What tests is most often a timed test for phlebotomy?
Timed specimens are most often used to monitor: ... Tests for both diabetes mellitus and other disorders of carbohydrate metabolism. ... Phlebotomy Tube Test #2. 23 ...
What to expect as a phlebotomist?
Some of these include:
- Patience
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to work with machinery
- An understanding of different technologies
- Willingness to work with people
What are the side effects of phlebotomy?
Vasovagal Reaction
- Pupils being belated
- Abnormal body movements
- Light-headed
- Blurred vision
- Feeling of warmness in the body

Why would someone need a phlebotomy?
Phlebotomy is the removal of blood from the body, and therapeutic phlebotomy is the preferred treatment for blood disorders in which the removal of red blood cells or serum iron is the most efficient method for managing the symptoms and complications.
What does phlebotomy test for?
Phlebotomists are trained to collect blood samples through: Venipuncture (a puncture in your vein). Finger pricks, such as for blood sugar tests or to determine blood type. Heel pricks, which are specifically for infants.
Is a phlebotomy painful?
Some people aren't bothered by it at all, while others worry that they may pass out at the sight of a needle. In the hands of a skilled phlebotomist or nurse, a blood draw shouldn't be painful, but you may experience some brief discomfort.
What is the difference between a blood draw and a phlebotomy?
Phlebotomy is when someone uses a needle to take blood from a vein, usually in your arm. Also called a blood draw or venipuncture, it's an important tool for diagnosing many medical conditions.
How much blood is taken during a phlebotomy?
Health professionals perform phlebotomy in a medical clinic. The process is similar to donating blood. A health professional inserts a needle into a vein in your arm and removes about 500 mL (17 fl oz) of blood. The procedure takes about 30 minutes.
What are the side effects of a phlebotomy?
Side EffectsDizziness or lightheadedness.Fainting.Low blood pressure.Soreness, redness, burning or pain where the needle was placed.Bruising where needle was placed.Nausea and vomiting.
What is the most common complication of phlebotomy?
Hematoma: The most common complication of phlebotomy procedure. venipuncture on that vein. appear on the skin from rupturing of the capillaries due to the tourniquet being left on too long or too tight.
What should you not do before a blood test?
Avoiding specific foods and drinks such as cooked meats, herbal tea, or alcohol. Making sure not to overeat the day before a test. Not smoking. Avoiding specific behaviors such as strenuous exercise or sexual activity.
What is the most common complication of phlebotomy?
Hematoma: The most common complication of phlebotomy procedure. venipuncture on that vein. appear on the skin from rupturing of the capillaries due to the tourniquet being left on too long or too tight.
What is the first thing the phlebotomist should do?
PhlebotomyQuestionAnswerWhat is the FIRST thing the Phlebotomist should do in an event of an accidental needle stick?Wash the site with soap and water for at least 30 secondsThe main principles involved in radiation exposure areExposure time, distance, and shielding.14 more rows
What are the four different phlebotomy techniques?
Draw Blood-Capillary method-Venipuncture-Fill up sample tubes-Complete procedure-Prepare for transportation of samples-
What are the 3 main veins to draw blood?
The most site for venipuncture is the antecubital fossa located in the anterior elbow at the fold. This area houses three veins: the cephalic, median cubital, and basilic veins (Figure 1).
What is a phlebotomy?
Phlebotomy that is part of treatment (therapeutic phlebotomy) is performed to treat polycythemia vera, a condition that causes an elevated red blood cell volume ( hematocrit ). Phlebotomy is also prescribed for patients with disorders that increase the amount of iron in their blood to dangerous levels, such as hemochromatosis, hepatitis B, ...
How is phlebotomy done?
Phlebotomy is performed by a nurse or a technician known as a phlebotomist. Blood is usually taken from a vein on the back of the hand or just below the elbow. Some blood tests, however, may require blood from an artery. The skin over the area is wiped with an antiseptic, and an elastic band is tied around the arm. The band acts as a tourniquet, retaining blood within the arm and making the veins more visible. The phlebotomy technician feels the veins in order to select an appropriate one. When a vein is selected, the technician inserts a needle into the vein and releases the elastic band. The appropriate amount of blood is drawn and the needle is withdrawn from the vein. The patient's pulse and blood pressure may be monitored during the procedure.
WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?
Phlebotomy is usually performed by a phlebotomy technician. Arterial collection may be performed by a physician. Collection occurs in the hospital or outpatient clinic.
How long does it take for a phlebotomy to work?
Phlebotomy sessions are required until iron levels return to a consistently normal level, which may take several months to several years. Phlebotomy for polycythemia vera removes enough blood to keep the patient's hematocrit ...
How much blood is needed for a phlebotomy?
The amount of blood drawn depends on the purpose of the phlebotomy. Blood donors usually contribute a unit of blood (500 mL) in a session. The volume of blood needed for laboratory analysis varies widely with the type of test being conducted. Typically one or several small (5–10 mL) tubes are drawn. Therapeutic phlebotomy removes a larger amount of blood than donation and blood analysis require. Phlebotomy for treatment of hemochromatosis typically involves removing a unit of blood—250 mg of iron—once a week. Phlebotomy sessions are required until iron levels return to a consistently normal level, which may take several months to several years. Phlebotomy for polycythemia vera removes enough blood to keep the patient's hematocrit (proportion of red blood cells) below 45%. The frequency and duration of sessions depends on the patient's individual needs.
What is the act of drawing blood from the circulatory system through a cut?
Phlebotomy is the act of drawing or removing blood from the circulatory system through a cut (incision) or puncture in order to obtain a sample for analysis and diagnosis. Phlebotomy is also done as part of the patient's treatment for certain blood disorders.
How does a phlebotomy technician feel the veins?
When a vein is selected, the technician inserts a needle into the vein and releases the elastic band. The appropriate amount of blood is drawn and the needle is withdrawn from the vein. The patient's pulse and blood pressure may be monitored during the procedure.
What tests are used in phlebotomy?
Both immunology and molecular diagnostics tests are lumped together here. These tests are more complex and are often used to see if the immune system is functioning properly.
What is the difference between a phlebotomy and a virology test?
Virology tests look at the possibility of viral infection.
What does a phlebotomist do after a brief consultation?
Imagine someone at the doctor’s office. After a brief consultation about symptoms and severity, the doctor says they will need to run some blood tests to help perform the correct diagnosis. A phlebotomist or someone else that has taken phlebotomy courses will draw the blood sample (or samples).
What is a virology test?
Virology tests look at the possibility of viral infection. Virology blood tests look at how the immune system of the patient reacted to the virus. Tests include those used for flu viruses and HIV. Transfusion services are another test group that those who have taken phlebotomy courses are more likely to cover.
What is a chemistry test?
With chemistry tests, the blood is tested for chemicals that indicate disease. It can be a test to monitor blood sugar for diabetes or tests to indicate if a person is using illegal drugs. Hematology has more to do with the blood itself, not what is found along with it. Phlebotomy courses focus more on these tests since most ...
How long does it take for blood work to be done?
Although it may seem like a long and arduous process, all of this is usually done in a period of 24-48 hours, keeping both patient and doctor in the know.
Where is blood sent to?
After the sample is collected and properly labeled for the patient, it is sent to the lab—in-house or outsourced to a lab–so that laboratory technicians can read the results. There are quite a few different tests to be performed on each sample of blood. While some are tests used for large scale blood donation, other tests are used by doctors ...
Why is blood testing important?
Regular blood testing is one of the most important ways to keep track of your overall physical well-being. Getting tested at routine intervals can allow you to see the way your body changes over time and empower you to make informed decisions about your health.
What is CBC test?
A routine complete blood count (CBC) test checks for levels of 10 different components of every major cell in your blood: white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Important components measured by this test include red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. Here’s the typical range of results:
Who orders my blood tests?
Your doctor typically orders blood tests for you during a physical, checkup, or an appointment intended to screen for a specific condition.
Where can I get blood work done?
There are different locations that offer laboratory services that include blood work. Most hospitals contain a laboratory that you can visit to get tests done. Some laboratories will have walk-in options. Others may require an appointment.
What is CBC chemistry?
complete blood count (CBC) chemistry (basic metabolic) panel. thyroid panel. nutrient tests for levels of vital nutrients, such as iron or B vitamins. Some other tests that you may want include: enzyme markers if you’re at risk for cancer or other conditions like liver cirrhosis, stroke, or celiac disease. sexually transmitted disease (STD) tests ...
What does knowing your blood levels mean?
Knowing levels of various blood components, such as HDL and LDL cholesterol, can allow you to tweak your diet or fitness plan to minimize unhealthy habits (that you may not even realize are unhealthy). This can also maximize the nutrients you put in your body and more.
How long does it take for a blood test to come back?
Results may take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to become available. Here’s an overview of how long some common tests may take:
What is a phlebotomy technician?
However, a phlebotomy technician is also responsible for prepping lab equipment, gauging a patient’s reaction to the blood draw and collect the fluids correctly.
Where do phlebotomists work?
Phlebotomists work in various locations such as clinical laboratories, hospitals, doctor’s offices and clinics, blood donation centers, nursing homes and other facilities. Anywhere where blood is drawn is the perfect place for a phlebotomy technician.
What is the term for the drawing of blood by venipuncture?
The word phlebotomy means the drawing of blood by venipuncture for transfusion, diagnostic testing or experimental procedures.
How much does a phlebotomist make?
According to PayScale, phlebotomists make an average hourly salary of $14.41, with a minimum being $10.73 and maximum being $18.76. The average yearly salary ranges from $22,343 to $40,221 depending on location and type of employment.
How long does it take to become a phlebotomist?
Through Cambridge, our phlebotomy program includes 11 weeks of fast-paced training.
Is phlebotomy a good job?
If you want to be at the forefront of patient care and enjoy helping physicians solve the medical puzzle, phlebotomy is a great job for you. Phlebotomy technicians have flexibility in where they work and how they work, something some careers don’t offer.
Is phlebotomy difficult?
The phlebotomy career requires hands-on patient care around bodily fluids and illness. For those who struggle with blood or illness, phlebotomy can prove to be more difficult than another career option.
What is a phlebotomy certification?
The Phlebotomy Certification Exam is an assessment taken by candidates who wish to become a Phlebotomy Technician. Phlebotomy Technicians work in places like hospitals, blood donation centers, and any other medical facility in which blood needs to be drawn from patients for blood tests, donations, or any other purpose.
What is the acronym for phlebotomy?
National Healthcareer Association (NHA Phlebotomy) American Medical Certification Association (AMCA Phlebotomy) Choosing which program is right for you is not simply a matter of which one you’d prefer, but is more of a function of what your state requires.
How many capillary punctures are required for a phlebotomy technician?
In order to qualify to take the Phlebotomy Technician Certification Exam through the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA), candidates must meet the following qualifications: At least 30 documented venipunctures and 10 capillary punctures. Completion of an accredited clinical program of study.
How many questions are asked in the AMT PHlebotomy Technician exam?
The AMT Phlebotomy Technician Exam offered through American Medical Technologists (AMT) includes 200 questions covering 8 topics: In order to qualify to take the Phlebotomy Technician exam through AMT, candidates must meet one of two possible routes for candidacy.
How many hours of continuing education is required for a phlebotomy technician?
The ASPT also requires members to obtain at least six hours of continuing education per year in order to keep the certification active.
How many skin punctures are required for phlebotomy?
Successful completion of an accredited phlebotomy technician training program which includes at least 75 documented successful venipunctures and 5 documented skin punctures
What certifications do I need to become a phlebotomist?
In general, there are six most-recognized pathways to becoming certified - ASCP, ASPT, AMT, NCCT/MCI, NHA, and AMCA.
What is blood test?
Blood tests produce samples that can be used for a number of different tests, from diagnosing diseases to monitoring cholesterol and blood glucose levels. Blood tests are used for so many different purposes that for medical professionals around the country, phlebotomy is one of the first things learned in introductory courses.
What is the most common blood test performed by hospitals?
The following are the most common types of blood tests performed by hospitals across the nation. 1. Complete Blood Count (CBC) A routine CBC test provides a broad range of diagnostic information, with the ability to detect anemia, infections, immune system disorders, clotting problems and blood cancers. 2.
What is the name of the test that checks for specific antibodies produced by an infection or allergy?
5. Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Test. An ELISA test checks for specific antibodies produced by an infection or allergy, such as HIV or a peanut allergy. 6.
What is liver function test?
When the liver is damaged, it releases specific enzymes into the blood stream, and releases fewer proteins. Liver function tests can diagnose liver conditions such as alcohol liver disease, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. 7. Thyroid Function Tests.
Can diabetics have blood glucose tests?
Persons with diabetes need to check blood glucose levels routinely in order to keep blood sugar levels from getting too high. While experts trained through phlebotomy courses can administer blood glucose tests, at-home test kits present a convenient alternative.
