The principal responsibilities of a phlebotomy technician are as follows:

• Verify the identity of a patient or donor to ensure that the test order is for that person and that the blood is properly labeled.
• Explain the procedure to the patient or donor to reduce any anxiety about having their blood drawn.
• Draw blood from the patient or donor using a variety of techniques, such as venipuncture or capillary puncture.
• Carefully label the sample for processing and testing.
• Enter the patient information into a database.
• Assemble and maintain needles, test tubes, blood vials and other medical instruments.
• Assist in the recovery of patients or donors with adverse reactions after their blood is drawn.
• Maintain clean and sanitary work areas to avoid infection and other complications.

In diagnostic and medical laboratories, often the only interaction the patient has is with the phlebotomy technician. Therefore, the appearance and professionalism of the phlebotomist is of utmost importance.

More and more employers require a professional phlebotomy technician certification.

Necessary requirements: Graduation from High School (or equivalent), and graduation from an approved Phlebotomy Technician program within the last 5 years.

Or

1-year verifiable work experience as a Phlebotomy Technician professional.