A Brief--And Possibly Surprising--History of Phlebotomy

If you're a skilled medical professional, we don't have to explain to you the definition of the word phlebotomy. You might, however, be puzzled about the origins of the word. The old Greek words phleb for 'vein' and tomia for 'cutting' seem misleading now. After all, what does cutting have to do with the drawing of blood for diagnostic purposes?

Actually, cutting had plenty to do with very early phlebotomy techniques. Evidence shows that so-called “bloodletting” was practiced in ancient Egypt. Whether it began there or not, who knows, but the gory method that was thought to rid the body of practically any ailment was practiced in many cultures up to and including a nascent United States of America. All manner of small knives, lances, and glass suction cups were employed to remove “excess” blood from the unfortunate patient's body.

In December 1799, George Washington was one of those unlucky patients. George was suffering from a bothersome throat infection, the cure for which was -wait for it- bloodletting. After being relieved of more than nine pints of blood in fewer than 24 hours, the first US president up and died. After that, public opinion regarding the efficacy of bloodletting as a cure-all began to wane.

It's a very good thing that 21st century phlebotomy techniques have exponentially advanced since the “good old days.” The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians is the second-oldest certifying agency of the field of Phlebotomy, and one of the only agencies that offers continuing phlebotomy education and advanced phlebotomy training.

Becoming a Quality Drug Collection Specialist

Become a Drug Collection Specialist!

Individuals who are hoping to pursue medical careers will want to have a general idea of which field they'd like to enter. A drug collection specialist, for example, will usually work in a laboratory setting. These specialists are dedicated to procuring and analyzing blood and urine samples to determine which drugs are currently present within the body. Specialists might also be involved with toxicology reports, which attempt to ascertain whether someone was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of death.

Aspiring drug collection specialists will want to immerse themselves in math and science at the earliest possible age. They should devote themselves to biology, chemistry, and physics in high school. Once they have reached college, they can begin taking courses in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, genetics and immunology. Students who dedicate themselves to medicine can eventually enroll in certification programs that will allow them to begin working in one of the prominent laboratories around the country. After they have passed a rigorous series of examinations, they will be licensed to work in the field.

The phlebotomy certification process is quite similar. Men and women who demonstrate their qualifications will be able to work at both large university hospitals and smaller clinics. With their medical knowledge, new technicians will be part of crucial procedures that will provide patients with the best possible care.

A Look at Phlebotomy Certification

Phlebotomy technicians are experts at drawing blood. Individuals who are planning on pursuing such a career will need to obtain their phlebotomy certification before they are cleared to work in a professional medical setting. With a solid understanding of the biological sciences and how they relate to medicine, most men and women can become eminently reliable medical workers who can provide excellent service in a variety of areas.

Technicians will generally follow a certification program that is quite heavy on anatomy and physiology. Individuals will need to become eminently familiar with the muscular, skeletal and circulatory systems. Urinalysis and venipuncture will also be studied in detail. Students will ultimately be expected to pass a rigorous series of tests that will eventually land them their certification. A working knowledge of CPR and first aid techniques will also be essential. Students who take a range of science classes in high school will be best positioned for success. Knowledge of chemistry, physics, math and communications will also come in handy. Well-rounded technicians will be able to assist doctors and nurses with virtually any medical problem.

Graduates who complete their certification will be able to immediately move into rewarding positions at both private clinics and large university hospitals. With dedication and devotion, they'll become an important part of the medical team going forward. They'll be involved with life-saving procedures that will benefit patients from all walks of life.

Understanding the Ins and Outs of Lab Tech Certification

When younger folks have long had an appreciation for medicine, they might want to become professionals within the medical field themselves. While they may not wish to become full-fledged doctors, they can still find rewarding careers within the industry. By moving through a lab tech certification program that is run by eminently experienced specialists, students will learn everything they need to know about working with patients of all kinds. Some individuals may wish to concentrate specifically on phlebotomy, which is likely to make them marketable in a broad array of medical environments.

Certified technicians will be capable of bringing their expertise to a number of settings. Nursing homes and geriatric centers often employ professionals for help with various blood testing procedures. Likewise, smaller clinics that specialize in heart disease or cancer will require special treatment techniques for certain patients. Trauma centers will also need specialists to help with various laboratory tests after patients have been stabilized. Phlebotomists will have been trained to provide a steadying hand in even the most severe emergencies.

The certification exams themselves are quite rigorous. Students will want to study as they go along so that they are not cramming in the days leading up to the test. A complete familiarity with human anatomy and physiology will lead to success. Graduates can shortly begin pursuing a career that will reward them for the rest of their lives.

Becoming a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants work closely with patients under the supervision of physicians. Becoming a medical assistant can be a rewarding step in your career. If you love working directly with patients, you’re sure to find this to be fulfilling work – and you can get certified in a relatively short time.

Sampling of Job Duties
There are generally administrative tasks involved with being a medical assistant. They tend to include filling out insurance information, updating patient records, setting up lab tests, and handling patient admission. Clinical duties include prepping patients for exams, checking vital signs, getting a patient’s medical history, informing patients about procedures, and performing lab tests.

Contact with People
One of the greatest things about being a medical assistant is the amount of contact you’ll have with people. You’ll have a lot of interaction with both patients and other medical workers. If you have a personable personality, becoming a medical assistant could be the perfect path for you.

Learn more about certification for a medical assistant career at ASPT.org today.

Preparing Children for Medical Procedures

If you work as a phlebotomist, odds are that you’ll spend some time with kids that are afraid of the whole process. It’s important for kids to know what’s going on – and that can start with a bit of education. These tips are great for parents and phlebotomists alike.

• You should set realistic expectations. Too often, kids are told, “It won’t hurt.” We know that blood work doesn’t come without discomfort, and kids need to know that, too. Instead, reassure the child that it will be over quickly.
• When the procedure is over, offer praise and comfort. This can turn what many children perceive as a negative experience into something that isn’t so scary after all.
• Scheduling the test can be a bit tricky. Be sure to schedule it at a time when the child won’t be tired or hungry. This will make the test easier for everyone involved.
• Encourage parents to stage a dress rehearsal at home beforehand. It’s important that a child breathes and is as relaxed as possible. This helps to keep veins full and loose, which ultimately makes it easier to draw blood.
• During the blood draw, parents can offer a distraction to the child. A book, a special toy, or simply singing a song can make all the difference.

Understanding Arterial Blood Gases

As a phlebotomist, it’s important to know as much about the blood and how it works as possible. This is just as important as being skilled with the needle! Arterial blood gases refer to the oxygen and carbon dioxide present in a person’s arterial blood, as well as the acidity of the blood. By looking at and measuring these gases, the health and functioning of a person’s lungs can be determined. If the lungs aren’t working properly, arterial blood gases will inevitably be in different concentrations than normal.

Look into becoming a phlebotomist, and you can specialize in arterial blood gas collection. The certification information at ASPT can help you become an important part of a medical team that provides care for patients.

You’ll learn to perform an ABG test – this test can tell medical professionals many things about the blood. An ABG test reveals the ability of the lungs to move oxygen into the blood, the amount of oxygen in the blood, the oxygen saturation of the hemoglobin, and the pressure of the oxygen in the blood. With carbon dioxide, a medical professional can see how much carbon dioxide remains in the blood after it has passed through the lungs – effectively measuring the lungs’ capacity to remove it.

Learn more about becoming an arterial blood gas collection professional.