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WEBSITE: PHLEBOTOMY: FROM STUDENT TO PROFESSIONAL

BONNIE K. DAVIS

STUDENT MANUAL

Content

  1. Abbreviations for Laboratory Test

Medical Abbreviations

  1. Certification Agencies

Resources for Information on the Health Professions

  1. Phlebotomist Job Description
  1. Procedure for Taking Vital Signs

Blood pressure

Respirations

Temperature

Pulse

Abbreviations for Laboratory Tests

ABGArterial blood gasCOCarbon monoxide

AFBAcid-fast bacilliCO2Carbon dioxide

ALPAlkaline phosphataseCPKCreatine phosphokinase

ALTAlanine aminotransferaseCRPC-reactive protein

ANAAntinuclear antibodyCSFCerebrospinal fluid

APTTActivated partial thromboplastin timeEBVEpstein-Barr virus

BUNBlood urea nitrogenFBSFasting blood sugar

C&SCulture and sensitivityGHGrowth hormone

CBCComplete blood countGTTGlucose tolerance test

CCCreatinine clearanceHgbHemoglobin

CEACarcinoembryhonic antigenHctHematocrit

CKCreatine kinaseO&POva and parasites

CMVCytomegalovirusOBOccult blood

PKUPhenylketonuriaSTSSerologic test syphilis

PO4PhosphateT4Thyroxin

PTProthrombin timeT&CType & Crossmatch

PTTPartial thromboplastin timeT&SType & screen

RASTRadioallergosorbent testUAUrinalysis

RBCRed blood cellWBCWhite blood cell

Abbreviations

a.c.before a mealfldrfluidram

alt.dieb. every other dayflozfluidounce

alt. hor.every other hourggram

alt. noc.every other nightgmgram

AMmorninggtdrop

ASAPas soon as possiblehrhour

bib.drinkh.d.at bedtime

b.i.d.twice a dayh.s.hour of sleep

b.i.n.twice a nightI.U.international unit

CCelsiuskgkilogram

cccubic centimeterLliter

cmcentimeterlbpound

drdrammcgmicrogram

FFahrenheitmmeter

mgmilligramq.i.d.four times a day

mLmilliliterq.s.as much as is needed

mmmillimeterqtquart

n.p.o.nothing by mouthssone half

o.d.every daystat.immediately

osmouthTtemperature

ozouncet.i.d.three times a day

p.c.after mealsWNLwithin normal limits

Phlebotomy Certification Organizations

American Medical Technologists (AMT)

719 Higgins Road

Parkridge, IL 60068-5765

Phone: 800-275-1268

American Society for Clinical Pathology

2100 West Harrison Street

Chicago, IL 60612

Phone: 312-738-1336

Resources for Information on the Health Professions

Center for Phlebotomy Education,Inc.

P.O. Box 161

Ramsey, IN 47166

Phone: 812-633-4636

American Society for Clinical Pathology

2100 West Harrison Street

Chicago, IL 60612

Phone: 312-738-1336

American Medical Technologists

710 Higgins road

Park ridge, IL 60068-5765

Phone: 800-275-1268

Colorado Association for Continuing Medical Laboratory Education

6825 East Tennessee Avenue

Suite 111

Denver, Colorado 80224

Phone: 303-321-1734

Health Career Opportunity Program

US Department of Health and Human services

Health Resources and Services Administration

Division of Disadvantaged Assistance

Parklawn Building, Rm 8A-09

Rockville, MD 20857

Phone: 301-443-4493

The Student Guide ( financial aid handbook)

US Department of Education

Federal Student Aid Information Center

800-443-32343

Health Occupations Students of America

6021 Morriss Rd, Ste 111

Flower Mound, TX 75028

800-321-HOSA

SAMPLE OF PHLEBOTOMIST JOB DESCRIPTION

Pleasant Valley Hospital

Wichita, Kansas

Department Name:Clinical Laboratory

Job Title:Phlebotomist

Job Code: 2625

Pay Grade:13

Status: None Exempt

Reports to:Laboratory Support Supervisor

Hours per Pay Period:80

Required Education:GED or High School

Certificate/Licensure:Certificate

Contact Information:Elaine Wright

Posted:June 28, 2010

SUMMARY:This position is responsible for collection and processing of laboratory specimens from outpatients and inpatients.

REQUIRED DUTIES:

  • Perform venipuncture and skin puncture procedures in a timely manner causing minimal trauma to patients of all ages
  • Perform computer functions in an accurate and timely manner
  • Centrifuge, aliquot, and distribute specimens
  • Operate point-of-care testing instruments accurately and proficiently
  • Provide test results, information, etc to laboratory customers in a professional manner
  • Perform all other assigned duties in a positive manner

Procedure for Taking Vital Signs

Blood pressure utilizing aneroid or automatic unit

  1. To take a blood pressure, the patient should be laying down or seated with one arm slightly bent. The arm should be bare or with the sleeve loosely rolled up.
  2. Place the cuff level with the heart.
  3. Wrap the cuff around the upper arm one inch above the elbow.
  4. Inflate the cuff.
  5. Record the reading.
  6. Deflate cuff and remove from arm.

Blood pressure utilizing manual cuff

  1. Place the cuff level with the heart.
  2. Place the cuff level with the heart.
  3. Wrap the cuff firmly but not tightly.
  4. Place the arrow on the cuff directly over the brachial artery one inch above the elbow.
  5. Position a stethoscope over the brachial artery in front of the elbow with one hand.
  6. Listen through the earpieces.
  7. Inflate the cuff to approximately 200 mmHg, or until not heart beat is heard.
  8. Slowly open the valve in the pump.
  9. Do not allow the air to escape no faster than 5 mm/Hg per second.
  10. When the heart beat is heard, record the systolic pressure.
  11. Continue to slowly release air until no beat is heard, record the diastolic pressure.
  12. Blood pressure readings are recorded with the systolic pressure first and the diastolic pressure second. Example: 120/80 mm/Hg.

Respirations

  1. Place your fingers on the patient’s wrist as if checking the pulse.
  2. Watch the patient’s chest rise and fall while you count the number of breaths or respirations in one minute.
  3. Do not be obvious about watching the patient’s chest. He will be aware of you counting breaths and perhaps alter his normal breathing rate.
  4. Record the respiration results.

Oral Temperature

  1. Manufacturer guidelines should be followed when using an electronic thermometer.
  2. The result is recorded on a LCD screen.
  3. Discard the protective guard after use.
  4. Record the temperature.
  5. An alcohol or mercury thermometer may be used.
  6. Shake down the thermometer by firmly holding it at the clear end and flick it 3-4 times with the silver end pointing down. Confirm that the alcohol or mercury is below 98.6 degrees F.
  7. Place the thermometer under the tongue of an adult for 3-4 minutes. ( Do not use this method with infants or very young children).
  8. Remove the thermometer and hold at eye level.
  9. Record the reading.
  10. Clean the thermometer with an antiseptic.

Pulse

  1. The radial artery in the wrist is the most common site for taking a pulse.
  2. Place your index, middle, and ring fingers over the radial artery.
  3. Gently apply pressure to the artery.
  4. Count the pulsations for 30 seconds.
  5. Double the results, and record.