Phlebotomists

Match laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes.

Dispose of contaminated sharps, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and policies.

Draw blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.

Dispose of blood or other biohazard fluids or tissue, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, or policies.

Draw blood from arteries, using arterial collection techniques.

Draw blood from capillaries by dermal puncture, such as heel or finger stick methods.

Enter patient, specimen, insurance, or billing information into computer.

Organize or clean blood-drawing trays, ensuring that all instruments are sterile and all needles, syringes, or related items are of first-time use.

Collect fluid or tissue samples, using appropriate collection procedures.

Collect specimens at specific time intervals for tests, such as those assessing therapeutic drug levels.

Determine donor suitability, according to interview results, vital signs, and medical history.

Transport specimens or fluid samples from collection sites to laboratories.

Process blood or other fluid samples for further analysis by other medical professionals.

Monitor blood or plasma donors during and after procedures to ensure health, safety, and comfort.

Provide sample analysis results to physicians to assist diagnosis.

Document route of specimens from collection to laboratory analysis and diagnosis.

Explain fluid or tissue collection procedures to patients.

Conduct standards tests, such as blood alcohol, blood culture, oral glucose tolerance, glucose screening, blood smears, or peak and trough drug levels tests.

Train other medical personnel in phlebotomy or laboratory techniques.

Perform saline flushes or dispense anticoagulant drugs, such as Heparin, through intravenous (IV) lines, in accordance with licensing restrictions and under the direction of a medical doctor.

Conduct hemoglobin tests to ensure donor iron levels are normal.

Calibrate or maintain machines, such as those used for plasma collection.

Administer subcutaneous or intramuscular injects, in accordance with licensing restrictions.

Serve refreshments to donors to ensure absorption of sugar into their systems.