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Phlebotomy technicians play an integral role in the health care industry, so it’s important they’re aware of the best practices when drawing blood. As an esteemed continuing education center in the Bronx and White Plains, NY, Big Apple Training ensures that’s the case by providing techs with the current methods and techniques they need to do their jobs right. Here, the knowledgeable team offers a few tips for the process.

4 Tips on Drawing Blood

1. Check the Patient’s Medical History

A patient’s medical history is important when drawing blood. For instance, certain types of medications can cause increased bleeding, and a phlebotomist must be aware of this to take the proper precautions. It’s also helpful to know whether the individual has any issues with their veins or prefers one arm to the other for various reasons.

2. Take Bloodborne Illness Precautions

phlebotomy techncianPhlebotomy technicians must be properly trained on how to prevent the spread of bloodborne illnesses. While most needles include safety measures to prevent accidental sticks from occurring, it’s ultimately up to the phlebotomist to ensure devices are used correctly every time blood is drawn.

3. Label Vials

Once they draw the blood and dress the patient’s wound, the phlebotomist must ensure the vial is correctly labeled. Many health facilities process large quantities of specimen on a daily basis, and failure to mark a sample could impede proper diagnosis for a patient, delaying access to the treatment they need.

4. Safe Disposal

Each facility should have a strict procedure in place for disposing biohazardous materials. This includes all items used during a blood draw, from gauze to syringes. 

Whether you’re interested in becoming a phlebotomy technician or wish to pursue other medical avenues, Big Apple Training offers a wide range of educational opportunities. Contact them at one of two convenient locations to learn more; call (718) 231-3600 to speak with a representative in the Bronx, or dial (914) 437-7373 for White Plains. If you’d like more information on how to secure a career in health care, visit the website.

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