Maribel Melendrez - Phlebotomy

 The Importance of Phlebotomy 

Maribel Melendrez 

Phlebotomy, the act of drawing blood from a patient is often unnoticed although its crucial importance in the world of healthcare. Phlebotomists, the professionals who work in this field are the foundation of which countless diagnoses and treatments are established worldwide. 

A phlebotomist must be safe and skillful in their line of work as phlebotomy is much more than sticking a needle in a vein. While it may appear to be a simple process, many different requirements play a role in drawing blood, such as how to hyperextend the patient's arm, how to apply a tourniquet, how to prep the venipuncture, and much more. Phlebotomists must go through a four to eight month training cycle before they are permitted to draw a patient's blood. To become a successful phlebotomist an understanding of anatomy,  physiology, and infection control is required. Blood samples collected through phlebotomy provide insight on a patient's health, allowing for diagnosis and monitoring of their condition. 

A phlebotomist is one of the first professionals to have contact with a patient. So their bedside manner is immensely important. A phlebotomist must be reassuring, attentive, and compassionate. They must turn an uncomfortable experience into a smooth one. Hopefully next time you get your blood drawn, you remember the role these professionals play in keeping us healthy.

Meet the Author

Hi! I am Maribel Melendrez, a high school student who has a passion for anything and everything involving the medical field. It is truly fascinating how the human body operates. I hope to obtain a job in medicine as I grow up. In my spare time I enjoy playing lacrosse, reading, writing, and binge watching new shows. I hope this article gave you some insight on the importance of phlebotomy!


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