In the past, bloodletting was known to be the process of drawing contaminated blood from a patient’s body. This was done because it was believed that a certain ailment or infection would be removed from the patients along with the fluid.
However, there are other ways to withdraw blood from a body besides bloodletting, which is through leech therapy. This medical treatment involved medicinal bloodsuckers that are strategically and logically placed on specific parts of the body where the blood flows. This whole process may take a few hours before professionals can safely remove the leeches.
Although leeches are still used in various medical research, we now have modern ways of drawing out blood, which is now the phlebotomist’s duty. Like any medical profession, phlebotomists also go through extensive medical career training to ensure that they can safely administer their responsibilities to their patients.
Phlebotomist: Their Role and Relevance In The Medical Field
To explain it simply, phlebotomy is defined as the process of extracting blood from a patient’s vein, which is often intended for diagnostic tests. Those who administer such procedures are called phlebotomists or phlebotomy technicians.
If you wish to become a phlebotomist, you’d be surprised to know that you don’t require certification in some locations. However, it is highly encouraged that you complete a phlebotomy certificate program to earn a professional certification.
Fortunately, Medical Career Academy offers classes for aspiring phlebotomy technicians. They have developed a phlebotomy course curriculum by combining professional, certified instructors with abundant clinical experience. Besides that, the course requires students to meet once a week for nine weeks, allowing you flexibility in your daily schedule.
The Importance of Phlebotomists
Phlebotomists are vital in the medical field as they fill the role of skilled blood extractors and specialists. Below is a list of reasons these medically trained professionals are valuable in the healthcare industry:
1. Focus On Safety
Phlebotomists are required to conform to precautionary and sterile procedures when dealing with medical factors, such as blood and needles. They ensure that they leave no room for infections, injuries, and the dissemination of blood-borne illnesses.
Additionally, phlebotomists are trained to practice hygiene protocols to ensure that they are sterile when administering blood extractions and alike. Besides that, these professionals are also equipped to administer first aid protocols during emergencies.
2. Reassures Patient Care and Records
Hundreds of people across all ages dread undergoing the process of blood extraction. Some people even get frightened, even with just the sight of blood. Because many patients get anxious and terrified, a phlebotomist’s role, in addition to blood extraction, is to assure patients that they’ll get through the process calmly and in an almost painless manner.
In addition to providing care, phlebotomists are also required to manage patient records to ensure that all information, such as personal data, specimen results, tests, and samples, are updated and in the system.
3. Administer Blood Extractions
Phlebotomists, like any other medical professionals, have a standard operating procedure before extracting blood. First, they’ll properly identify the patient and cross-check work order details via their patient’s hospital bracelet.
To draw blood, you need to puncture a vein, so specialists need to know how the circulatory system works. Additionally, if you have received advanced training, you’ll be able to draw blood from arteries and insert intravenous lines as well.
4. Manage Supplies
Finally, one of a phlebotomist’s roles is to ensure that there is an ample supply of equipment and that everything is in good condition. Supply management is one of the key factors that help run a medical facility, and with quick action, phlebotomists will reduce the risk of having low medical supplies in the establishment.
The Bottom Line: Phlebotomists Play A Key Role In The Medical Field
Phlebotomists have the important job of extracting blood, providing care to patients, and keeping the medical facility running by ensuring all medical records are updated, and supplies are in order.
So if you’re thinking of getting a career in the medical field, you can enroll at Medical Career Academy and learn how to be a phlebotomy technician.
With a wide array of medical courses and schools, finding the best one for your chosen medical path can be difficult.
However, suppose you’re choosing to be a phlebotomy technician, EKG technician, pharmacy technician, medical assistant, or wish to have CPR training. In that case, Medical Career Academy can help you with that.
We offer exceptional courses for the medical careers we mentioned above, all handled by experienced and certified instructors in the medical field. Register for a class and start your medical journey with us today!