Phlebotomy training Los Angeles County

Phlebotomists are specialized clinical support workers who collect blood from patients for examination in laboratories, the results of which provide valuable information to diagnosing illness. It process consists of the surgical puncture of a vein in order to draw blood from a patient via medical needles.

It's carried out by a qualified phlebotomist, and the blood is then studied by a lab or physician to determine the health of a patient. The blood may also be used for another patient in need of a blood transfusion.

The procedure begins by the phlebotomist first verifying the patient's identity and preparing the necessary equipment. At this point the phlebotomist washes his or her hands and/or places on gloves. The patient's arm is then placed on a flat surface so that it is extended and well supported.

After selecting a distal and accessible vein, the phlebotomist applies a tourniquet just a few inches above the selected infusion site and the patient is usually instructed to clench his or her hand. The selected site is thoroughly cleaned using an alcohol pad and allowed to dry before inserting the needle.

Once the blood has begun flowing into the collection tube, the tourniquet is removed and the patient is instructed to relax his or her hand. Once the required samples are collected, the needle is withdrawn and gauze is firmly placed and held over the infusion site. The tubes are then labeled and any contaminated materials are disposed of properly.

The sample of blood taken from a patient has to be prepared for laboratory testing, so it's important it's handled properly to prevent it from becoming contaminated in any way. One of the most important aspects of working as a phlebotomist is to be able to reassure nervous patients, particularly children, and to become proficient at drawing blood without causing distress or pain.

Taking blood from patients is an extremely important part of any medical procedure as it helps to establish the patient's medical condition. Diagnosis of their problem is the first step in making sure they receive the correct treatment in order to facilitate a cure.


What To Expect With Phlebotomy Training Los Angeles County

If you live in the great state of California, you are lucky to have the best options available anywhere for phlebotomy training programs. Depending on what type of school you choose, the coursework is similar but the length of time spent is what differs. Vocational schools tend to be highly focused training that can be accomplished quicker whereas four year schools take significantly longer and cost more.

Topics Included In The Basics of Phlebotomy

Some Topics Include:

  • Techniques for drawing blood
  • Legal aspects of phlebotomy
  • Infection control
  • Health and safety
  • Calming anxious patients
  • Labeling and organizational skills

Practical Training

This is the hands on part of the training that will truly prepare you for employment, sometimes called an externship. You will be involved in real life situations and draw blood from patients under the supervision of an instructor. Once a certain amount of hours are put in, you will be eligible to receive your certification.

If you love to work with people and are not afraid of the site of blood, this is a stable job in the healthcare industry for those wishing to enter the medical arena with the necessary basic skills to gain new employment opportunities. It is also a rewarding job as you are helping to manage a person’s wellbeing.

The advancement of medical science has been profound in the last century. The ability to diagnose and treat a patient by examining a small sample of their blood has in many instances made it possible to prevent a serious illness from progressing. Illnesses such a leukemia, cancer, anemia and kidney disease can all be detected through blood samples.

Phlebotomy plays an extremely important role in discovering discrepancies in a patient's blood which may be causing health problems. It's a phlebotomist's care and consideration during the procedure which will make a patient feel secure. Some people do find the experience makes them feel dizzy, but a medical professional is capable of averting their fears by maintaining a calm atmosphere and guiding them patiently through their journey for good health.