Picture this: you’re at the doctor’s office, and your doctor says you need some lab work. They give you a paper and directions to head to the lab.
You check-in, hand the receptionist your paper, and wait. Then it hits you — you’re going to get your blood drawn.
Now you’re frantically googling “blood draw tips” and “what is a phlebotomist” to help you calm down. That’s where we come in.
We’re walking you through what phlebotomists are, what they do, and giving you a few tips for a successful blood draw experience below.
What Is a Phlebotomist?
A phlebotomist is a person who takes your blood at a lab or a doctor’s office. They may be nurses, but you don’t have to have your nursing license to get started in this career.
Instead, they likely took a one-year course to get their certification, including hands-on training. The more in-depth the procedures they do (full blood draws vs. finger pricks), the more training they need.
In school, they study basic medical knowledge of the different circulatory systems and log of observation before they touch their first living, bleeding person. Some states require phlebotomists to register with the state through a state-sponsored certification (on top of their base certificate).
What Does a Phlebotomist Do?
The day-to-day life of a phlebotomist differs based on where they’re working. If they work in a lab, their day likely looks something like this:
- Get to work, scrub hands
- Stock rooms with supplies, like 3m surgical tape
- Check in with supervisor and get instructions
- Take blood from patient 1
- Submit it for processing
- Clean room
- Take blood from patient 2
- And so on
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the average person in this position makes around $18 an hour, and that there’s a high need for new candidates in this role. If you’re not scared of needles or blood transfusions, talk to your phlebotomist about their training and experience.
You could be in their shoes in just a year or two!
How to Have a Smooth Blood Draw Experience
Let’s get down to business. If you’re nervous about getting your blood drawn, hopefully it helps you to know that this isn’t just something your phlebotomist is trained to do. It’s their specialty. When you’re at a medical lab, you’re in good hands.
If you have time before your appointment, drink a few glasses of water. The more hydrated you are, the more easily your blood will flow, and the quicker your experience will be over.
Some people find it helpful to avoid looking at the needle or their blood, while others like knowing what to expect. Whichever you choose, let your phlebotomist know — they’re used to it.
Finally, don’t make jokes about your phlebotomist being a vampire. They hear it many times a day, and it’s not funny the thousandth time. The last thing you want is a huffy person sticking you with a needle!
Phlebotomy: It’s Not as Scary as It Seems
We hope you’ve found this article helpful, whether you’re curious and bored in the waiting room or looking into phlebotomy as a career. Now that you can answer “what is a phlebotomist,” you’re a more educated patient with more control over their health.
For more medical tips and content, check out our other Health posts.