What is Phlebotomy ?- Definition, work, Aftercare, Risk - Pathinfotech

What is phlebotomy?

• Phlebotomy is an art of drawing or removing blood from a particular place in the human body by a puncture for medical treatment purposes like analysis and diagnosis.
• Phlebotomy is performed by a doctor, nurse or technician in place of a hospital, nursing home, and a pathological laboratory. They are known as a" Phlebotomist ".

What does a Phlebotomy Technician do? 

• A Phlebotomy Technician is usually taken blood from a vein in the antecubital area on the front of the hand. They maintain Sterilization by using antiseptic like 70% alcohol on that collection area and bind a tourniquet around the arm. After that, they select the vain and inserts a needle into the vein. When an appropriate amount of blood is collected, the needle is removed from the vain and using a cotton boll to stop bleeding. 

• Phlebotomists also separate the collected blood in different tubes by following the test instructions.

• Some times blood is required from the artery. As a phlebotomist do this job under the guidance of a doctor.

• Some tests require small amounts of blood for analysis. This blood is collected from a finger stick. A small needle or lance is put in a finger and collect a small amount of blood in a glass tube.

• They are also done two types of tests like "BT"(bleeding time) and "CT" (clotting time). The cause of prolonged bleeding time includes "thrombocytopenia, dissemination intravascular coagulation, bernardsoulier disease, and Glanzman's thrombasthenia"."Hemophilia A and B" disease emerged when prolonged clotting time.

• A phlebotomist maintains personal and patients safety in collection period.

• They advise proper instructions before the blood test and write down test-related case history after collection.

Aftercare

• When the needle is removed from the vain and using a cotton boll to stop bleeding. After 10 to 15 minutes later observe the puncture site, if blue spot or swelling is visible then immediately treat them in proper techniques.

• Some patients feel weakness after collection. Advice for taken food and fluids properly and you are normal in the next 24 hours.

What Risk after taking blood?

•  The most common risk is Hematoma.

• Some times, a blue spot or swelling is visible in the Vein Puncture Site that's called a hematoma, which may cause thrombocytosis and chronic iron deficiency.

• Any fluids contaminations are highly risked for a phlebotomist in the collection period, which is carrying HIV, HbsAg etc. Infection. So, all needles are disposed of after a single-use.

• The arterial collection is very sensitive and it carries a high risk. Its performed under the guidance of a specially trained professional.

• Anemic or a cardiovascular disease patient is always a challenge for phlebotomists.