Generally speaking, phlebotomy is the collection of blood from a vein, but other collection techniques are sometimes used. In addition to collecting and transporting blood samples, phlebotomists also perform diagnostic procedures and interpret test results. In some cases phlebotomists may make recommendations based on their findings.

Because they work in a medical environment, phlebotomists must be familiar with sterilization practices and infection control. Due to the risk of infectious disease, strict guidelines must be adhered to when collecting blood samples from patients.

Communication and people skills are an important part of being a phlebotomist. There are many people who are afraid of needles and get squeamish at the site of blood. It is a phlebotomist’s responsibility to make sure that patients are kept calm and still.

After receiving some type of phlebotomy training, phlebotomists usually work under the supervision of laboratory managers or medical technologists in hospitals, laboratories, clinics, blood banks, and physician offices. Approximately fifty percent of available phlebotomist positions are located in hospitals, while most of the remaining positions are in physician offices and diagnostic laboratories.