Find out everything you need to know about becoming a Phlebotomist.

Job Title – Phlebotomist

Description

A Phlebotomist serves patients by identifying the best method for retrieving specimens or preparing specimens for laboratory testing and also performing screening procedures.

Typical Job Activities

Verifies test requisitions by comparing information with nursing station log; bringing discrepancies to the attention of unit personnel
Verifies patient by reading patient identification
Obtains blood specimens by performing venepunctures and finger sticks
Maintains specimen integrity by using aseptic technique, following department procedures; observing isolation procedures
Collects therapeutic drug-monitoring assays by collaborating with nursing personnel to ensure appropriate drug dose to collection time
Tracks collected specimens by initialling, dating, and noting times of collection; maintaining daily tallies of collections performed
Monitors glucose levels by performing bedside glucose tests; recording results; reporting results to unit nurse-manager
Performs bleeding-times tests by entering results to the computer; notifying pathologist of results falling outside normal ranges
Maintains quality results by following department procedures and testing schedule; recording results in the quality-control log; identifying and reporting needed changes
Maintains safe, secure, and healthy work environment by following standards and procedures; complying with legal regulations
Resolves unusual test orders by contacting the physician, pathologist, nursing station, or reference laboratory; referring unresolved orders back to the originator for further clarification; notifying supervisor of unresolved orders
Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations
Serves and protects the hospital community by adhering to professional standards, hospital policies and procedures, federal, state, and local requirements, and standards
Enhances phlebotomy department and hospital reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments

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Educational Requirements

Senior Certificate with matric exemption
MBChB degree at a university

Compulsory subjects: Mathematics and Physical Science
Recommended subjects: Biology

What natural skills and/or aptitudes do I need for this occupation?

Be able to work well with others
Have the desire to help people
Work accurate
Be responsible
Be curious and imaginative
Be able to communicate well in writing and speech
Have an aptitude for science and mathematics
Have manual dexterity and physical stamina

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Employment Opportunities

Moderate

Market Competitiveness

Moderate

Income Potential

Moderate

Self-Employment Opportunities

Low

International Employment Opportunities

Moderate

Possible Employers

Hospitals, clinics and other medical institutions
Educational institutions
Government
Private practice
Research institutions
Pathcare
Ampath

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Relevant Contact Details

Health Professions Council of South Africa
www.hpcsa.co.za/

Career Progress and Path

Further studies in the specific field
Work performance

Possible Career Paths

Specialist career in the specific field

Employment Stability

Very stable

Reasons to consider this career

I can be of service to people
I am very interested in a specific subject or field