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Social ServiceISCO 5329

Phlebotomist

A phlebotomist is a person who takes blood samples from patients for laboratory testing, keeping the patient safe while the blood is drawn.

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Rate 5 of the 24 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

perform venepuncture procedures

use venepuncture procedure equipment

collect biological samples from patients

empathise with the healthcare user

transport blood samples

About phlebotomist

The phlebotomist identifies the patient, confirms what has been ordered, selects a vein, and applies blood sampling techniques: the right needle, the right angle, the right order of tubes, the right amount in each. Patients' parameters are monitored during and after the draw.

Samples then have to reach the laboratory in a usable state. The phlebotomist transports them according to the strict instructions received from the doctor, making sure the tubes are correctly labelled and secured. Healthcare legislation is followed throughout.

Sterilisation techniques and hygiene in healthcare facilities govern every step, and the sharps are the hazard, to the phlebotomist as much as to the patient. Human physiology is the knowledge behind the technique, and medical informatics is used for the labelling, the requests and the results. The phlebotomist also talks with patients, answers their questions and helps them through the procedure calmly. Qualification requirements differ by country and are set by national rules on medical professions.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (24)

techniques of blood-samplingtechniques of blood-samplingThe appropriate techniques for the collection of blood samples for laboratory work purposes, depending on the group of people targeted such as children or elderly.hygiene in a health care settinghygiene in a health care settingThe procedures related to maintaining a hygienic environment within a health care setting such as hospitals and clinics. It can range from hand washing to cleaning and disinfection of medical equipmen...human physiologyhuman physiologyThe science that studies the human organs and its interactions and mechanisms.infection controlinfection controlThe routes of transmission and methods of preventing spread of common and important infecting organisms together with the methods available for sterilisation and disinfection of pathogenic organisms i...sterilization techniquessterilization techniquesThe methods and techniques used to destroy or remove microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria that can contaminate medical instruments or any type of material in a health care setting.human anatomyhuman anatomyThe dynamic relationship of human structure and function and the muscosceletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, integumentary and nervous systems; normal and ...medical informaticsmedical informaticsThe processes and tools used for the analysis and dissemination of medical data through computerized systems.perform venepuncture proceduresperform venepuncture proceduresPerform venipuncture procedures by selecting a suitable site to puncture the patients` veins, preparing the puncture site, explaining the procedure to the patient, extracting the blood and collecting ...use venepuncture procedure equipmentuse venepuncture procedure equipmentMake use of the instruments and tools such as tourniquet, alcohol wipes, gauze sponges, sterilized needles and syringes, adhesive bandages, gloves and evacuated collection tubes, used in the procedure...collect biological samples from patientscollect biological samples from patientsFollow recommended processes to collect bodily fluids or samples from patients for further laboratory testing, assisting the patient as required.empathise with the healthcare userempathise with the healthcare userUnderstand the background of clients` and patients’ symptoms, difficulties and behaviour. Be empathetic about their issues; showing respect and reinforcing their autonomy, self-esteem and independence...transport blood samplestransport blood samplesEnsure that the blood samples collected are transported safely and correctly, following strict procedures to avoid contamination.label medical laboratory sampleslabel medical laboratory samplesCorrectly label samples of the medical laboratory with the accurate information, according to the implemented quality system in place.respond to healthcare users' extreme emotionsrespond to healthcare users' extreme emotionsReact accordingly when a healthcare user becomes hyper-manic, panicky, extremely distressed, agressive, violent, or suicidal, following appropriate training if working in contexts where patients go th...label blood sampleslabel blood samplesLabel blood samples taken from patients in compliance with regulations and the identity of the patient.communicate in healthcarecommunicate in healthcareCommunicate effectively with patients, families and other caregivers, health care professionals, and community partners.maintain professional recordsmaintain professional recordsProduce and maintain records of work performed.use technical equipment for sterilisationuse technical equipment for sterilisationWork with technical equipment and machinery such as steam sterilisers to clean and disinfect equipment and devices.comply with legislation related to health carecomply with legislation related to health careComply with the regional and national health legislation which regulates relations between suppliers, payers, vendors of the healthcare industry and patients, and the delivery of healthcare services.interact with healthcare usersinteract with healthcare usersCommunicate with clients and their carer’s, with the patient’s permission, to keep them informed about the clients’ and patients’ progress and safeguarding confidentiality.manage infection control in the facilitymanage infection control in the facilityImplement a set of measures to prevent and control infections, formulating and establishing health and safety procedures and policies.ensure safety of healthcare usersensure safety of healthcare usersMake sure that healthcare users are being treated professionally, effectively and safe from harm, adapting techniques and procedures according to the person's needs, abilities or the prevailing condit...monitor basic patients signsmonitor basic patients signsMonitor and analyse basic patient vital signs as vital signs of heart, respiration, and blood pressure. Take action by reporting them to the nurse.work in multidisciplinary health teamswork in multidisciplinary health teamsParticipate in the delivery of multidisciplinary health care, and understand the rules and competences of other healthcare related professions.
Optional (11) — show
medical terminologymedical terminologyThe meaning of medical terms and abbreviations, of medical prescriptions and various medical specialties and when to use it correctly.blood transfusionblood transfusionThe procedures involved in blood transfusions, including compatibility and disease testing, by means of which blood is transferred into blood vessels, taken from donors with the same blood type.blood collection on babiesblood collection on babiesThe recommended procedure for collecting blood from babies through their heel.blood type classificationblood type classificationThe classification of blood types such as group A, B, AB, 0 and their characteristics.blood product storage conditionsblood product storage conditionsThe refrigeration conditions under which the blood can be properly stored, the length of time and measures applied against contamination.conduct cancer screening testsconduct cancer screening testsUndertake screening test at an early stage, before cancer symptoms appear, taking physical exams, laboratory tests, imaging procedures and genetic tests.conduct routine blood testingconduct routine blood testingPerform routine tests on blood gases, electrolytes and metabolites.assist patients with special needsassist patients with special needsRespond appropriately and communicate effectively with patients with special needs such as learning disabilities and difficulties, physical disabilities, mental illness, memory loss, bereavement, term...perform reconstructive microsurgeryperform reconstructive microsurgeryTransfer tissue to cover a defect, removing healthy tissue from one part of the body, and move it to another site on the body and reconnecting it to a blood supply by suturing arteries and veins, usin...explain the molecular basis of a disease to patientsexplain the molecular basis of a disease to patientsExplain to patients the basis of their disease from the molecular and metabolic points of view and how therapies can affect their lifestyles.use foreign languages in patient careuse foreign languages in patient careCommunicate in foreign languages with healthcare users, their carers, or services providers. Use foreign languages to faciliate patient care according to the needs of the patient.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a phlebotomist do?

Phlebotomists take blood samples from patients for laboratory analysis, ensuring patient safety during the blood collection process. They transport the specimen to the laboratory, following strict instructions from the doctor of medicine.

What skills does a phlebotomist need?

A phlebotomist needs 24 essential skills, including techniques of blood-sampling, hygiene in a health care setting, human physiology, infection control, sterilization techniques.

Will AI replace phlebotomist jobs?

The AI disruption score for phlebotomist is 27/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: medical terminology, blood type classification, label medical laboratory samples. Most resilient: empathise with the healthcare user, respond to healthcare users' extreme emotions, human anatomy.

Quick Facts

SectorSocial Service
ISCO GroupPersonal care workers
Essential Skills24

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