P  A  M  E  T  -  N  E  V  A  D  A

PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGISTS - USA, INC , NEVADA CHAPTER

"To serve the community, the profession, and the person."

Phlebotomy: Not just blood drawing anymore.

       By Trisha Harrington, Lab Assistants' Supervisor 2003

       The field of Phlebotomy has seen lot's of changes over the last years. There are numerous names and job descriptions that go beyond just drawing blood. In some institutions the job requires more skills and knowledge than just the ability to draw blood from a patient. Although getting a proper and usable sample is still the most important aspects of Phlebotomy, there are now other aspects of Laboratory work that Phlebotomists are getting into. The title of Phlebotomist has changed with the times also, and in most institutions we are now called Lab Assistants.

       There are also some places that have different levels of Lab assistants, and do on the job training and upgrades in levels internally. A Lab Assistant I is what used to be called a Phlebotomist or even in some places they use this description for secretaries or receptionists. A Lab Assistant II can cover many areas, such as processing, some micro set up and maybe some POC duties. Some places go as far as having Lab Assistant III's that have been known to run hematology, chemistry and urinalysis instruments, as well as all other duties of the other levels of Lab Assistants. The Lab Assistant III will run the specimens and the Technologist checks results and sends them out.

       Regulations from state to state set the limits of what Lab Assistants can do, and what licensing is required. I know that California is more liberal in what they allow than Nevada. But Nevada has stricter laws regulating licensing, whereas California has just recently required licenses for Lab Assistants.

       The knowledge required of Lab Assistant is also more extensive than previous years. We are the main contact in any Lab since we are the ones the patients and customers see on a regular basis in and out of the lab setting. We need to understand the meaning and use for most tests so that when asked a question we hopefully can have an intelligent answer. When the nursing staff needs to order special tests they rely on the Lab Assistants to be able to help them as needed.

       I am personally very happy by all the changes that have been seen in recent years and I think internal training and upgrades is an excellent resource to keep turnover lower and employees happy in their jobs. Phlebotomy is not necessarily seen as just an interim career as it once was. There are more people that have chosen this as their profession and plan to do it as their lifetime career, since there are now more opportunities for advancement in the field than before.  v