The common method of collecting blood is called a venipuncture. Phlebotomists do not analyze the samples. Upon blood collection, phlebotomists must clearly label and document the specimens. Their primary responsibility includes blood collection and record-keeping. Phlebotomists and patients are at risk of blood borne diseases and other communicable diseases. That is why it is important for them to wear gloves, face masks, caps and gowns. We must also follow safety standards to ensure the safety of the patients and importantly themselves. The tools and equipment used by phlebotomists requires special handling and disposal.

A thorough understanding of the procedure and safety standards is important. Phlebotomists work with a different range of patients from the infants up to the elderly. A lot of people finds in uncomfortable having blood drawn and it is the phlebotomists job to keep the patients comfortable all the time. Phlebotomists are in direct communication with the patients and the doctors so it is important for them to have a good communication skill and to enjoy working with people.

What do the steps needed to be undertaken when you want to become a  phlebotomist? First is to determine the appropriate medical career for you. Make sure that you are interested in becoming a phlebotomist. If you are scared of fluids and blood, then better choose other careers that do not involve the drawing of blood. If one has a fear of needles, then this is also not the career for you. Next step is to undergo a formal phlebotomy training for this kind of health care professional career. Phlebotomist courses may take up to six months or even more depending on the kind of program in which you enroll. The training includes studies on theoretical subjects and hands on demonstrations. These phlebotomists work directly with the patients but with the supervision of a licensed health care professional. Third step to take is to train at the hospital. The training usually varies from one state to another so be sure that you are aware of the requirements in which you want to practice. When one has graduated, they must take a certification exam. This may not be necessary for some state but most employers nowadays looks for a certification.

A phlebotomist salary in a private facility is paid lower than those in the hospital. The phlebotomist in private offices earns around $11 while in hospitals a phlebotomist can earn $14 an hour and can go up to $17 after gaining some experiences. There is also phlebotomist that earns bigger. There is the mobile phlebotomist that travels in one area to another just to collect blood and bring it back to the laboratory. They work harder just to increase their income. Working for extra hours can increase the phlebotomist salary from $10,000 to $15,000 a year. The more the experience of the person is, the more chances that there salary will also be increasing. If they also work in urban areas then they are paid more than those working in small rural areas.