Learning safety and sanitization in phlebotomy training is imperative. Each hospital, clinic, or private practice has their own rules on what you can and can't do. Many of these rules include extra safety precautions specifically for that location. But, there are some of the basic safety rules that all phlebotomists need to follow. These procedures are taught throughout the training period.
One of the most important things a phlebotomist needs to do is protect themselves and their patients. That's why alcohol swabs are used to clean an area before a needle is used. Phlebotomists should also always wear gloves when they are working with a patient. Personal protective gear should always be worn to keep you safe from any spills or accidents.
Using sterile tools is also essential. New needles and blood vials need to be used with every patient Phlebotomists have to take responsibility for the equipment they use. This is done by testing it out ahead of time and determining which equipment is right for each patient's testing. Finally, following safety measures for storing and transporting blood is vital. It's the responsibility of a phlebotomist to learn about property labeling the vials of blood they draw. Those vials then need to be organized and transported to a lab for testing. This makes sure the patient's blood isn't wasted or mislabeled in any way.
