What is a phlebotomist?
A phlebotomist collects blood samples from patients by various techniques and may be responsible for the collection of other non-blood specimens (such as throat culture specimens). Other duties may include preparing specimens for analysis, handling and transporting specimens, drug testing collection, and point of care testing.
A phlebotomist is an important member of the medical laboratory team. Patient care is dependent on proper collection of specimens. Diagnoses and treatments are determined from specimens collected by a phlebotomist. In addition, the phlebotomist is often the patient’s only contact with the laboratory department.
Links:
[1] http://catalog.hagerstowncc.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=2&poid=198&returnto=82
[2] http://www.hagerstowncc.edu/academics/divisions/health-sciences/map-plb-externship-course-admission-guidelines
[3] http://www.hagerstowncc.edu/docs/7838/health-sciences-division/phlebotomy-technical-standards