Phlebotomist
What is the work like?
Phlebotomists are specialist clinical support workers who take blood samples from patients (usually in hospital) for testing in laboratories. The results of the tests are an important way of diagnosing illness.
As a phlebotomist, your duties would include:
- explaining the procedure to patients
- reassuring patients if they are nervous or distressed
- inserting a hypodermic needle into the vein and drawing off the blood into a tube
- applying a dressing to the puncture made by the needle
- labelling the blood sample
- delivering the sample to the correct laboratory within required timescales
- completing records and entering data on a computer.
At all stages you would follow set procedures carefully so that samples are not contaminated or mixed up.
You could work with babies, adults and older people, with a wide range of conditions. You would need to follow the appropriate procedure for each type of patient you work with.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You will not usually need any specific qualifications to become a trainee phlebotomist. However, some employers may prefer you to have at least two GCSEs, for example in English and maths or a science subject.
Previous experience (paid or unpaid) of working in a caring role would also be useful. You could contact the voluntary services coordinator or manager at your local NHS Trust for further advice.
What further training and development can I do?
You will usually receive on-the-job training, which can take up to six months and include:
- the role of phlebotomy within the pathology department
- the importance of professional standards and codes of practice
- methods of blood collection
- aspects of blood taking and labelling
- choosing appropriate sites for taking blood samples (venepuncture)
- health and safety.
After training you may be awarded a Certificate of Competence, which would allow you to work without supervision.
You may also be encouraged to work towards NVQ levels 2 and 3 in Health (Blood Donor Support), or take short courses with the National Association of Phlebotomists, for example in paediatric phlebotomy.
Where can I go for more information?
12 Coldbath SquareLondon
EC1R 5HL
Tel: 020 7713 0214
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Phlebotomists can earn between £13,000 to £16,000.
- With experience and specialist skills, for example in paediatric phlebotomy, this could rise to around £17,700.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work 37.5 hours a week, between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Part-time hours may also be possible.
You would need to follow strict health and safety procedures, including wearing disposable gloves, when taking and handling blood samples. You may also need to have a Hepatitis B immunisation.
You would work mainly in hospitals, either on wards or in outpatient clinics.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good written and spoken communication skills
- empathy, with the ability to put nervous and distressed patients at ease
- practical skills and a steady hand
- the ability to follow instructions and procedures accurately
- attention to detail
- the ability to work calmly under pressure
- respect for confidential and sensitive information
- teamworking skills.
What opportunities are there?
You would find most jobs within the NHS, but you could also work in the private healthcare sector.
With experience you could progress to team leader or manager. Another option would be to train for another biomedical science job, for example in cervical screening, haematology or immunology. See the Institute of Biomedical Science website or contact Health Learning and Skills Advice Line for information.
Your skills and experience in phlebotomy could also give you an advantage if you want to go into donor care and work with the NHS Blood and Transplant Service.
Jobs can be advertised in the local and national press, Jobcentre Plus and on the NHS Jobs website.
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