A phlebotomist is a healthcare professional trained to collect blood samples from patients for diagnostic testing, a blood transfusion or for blood donation purposes.
Phlebotomists are highly trained in a variety of techniques to draw blood including venepuncture (drawing blood from a vein) and heel prick testing.
Phlebotomists are a crucial part of the diagnostic process as the results of the tested blood is used by medical professionals and other professionals to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions.
Working life
Phlebotomists have a wide range of skills and have varied responsibilities which can include:
- Blood Collection – Phlebotomists use different methods to collect blood, such as venepuncture (drawing blood from a vein) and finger pricks (using a lancet to draw blood from the fingertip). They may also use heel pricks for infants.
- Preparation of Samples – After collecting the blood, phlebotomists prepare samples for analysis, ensuring they are properly labelled before being transported to the lab.
- Patient Interaction – Phlebotomists often interact with patients, explaining the procedure, answering questions, and providing comfort to those who may be anxious.
- Keeping Records – Phlebotomists document all aspects of the blood they have taken, including patient identification, date and time of collection, and any special instructions from the patients doctor.
- Infection Control – Phlebotomists follow strict infection control protocols to ensure the safety of both patients and staff.
- Working Safely and Accurately – Phlebotomists prioritise patient safety and accuracy in their work, ensuring that samples are collected and handled correctly, preventing errors and ensuring reliable test results.
Requirements
There are no set entry requirements to become a trainee phlebotomist. Employers usually ask for at least two GCSEs or equivalent. They may ask for a BTEC or equivalent vocational qualification in health and social care or in healthcare.
Employers often ask for relevant work experience. Even where this is not specified, it would be an advantage if you have worked in health or social care, in either paid or voluntary work.
There are apprenticeships in healthcare that would give you relevant experience to apply for a trainee phlebotomist position. You could work as a healthcare assistant, and then receive training in phlebotomy so that you can take patient’s blood.
Personal characteristics
To work successfully as a phlebotomist, you need to consider your own personal characteristics. You would need to have the following attributes or similar:
- Be accurate and methodical and have good attention to detail
- Be able to assess a situation quickly
- Be caring and kind and able to put a patient at ease
- Be able to work as part of a team but also able to use your own initiative
- Be willing to follow procedures and take instruction from senior team members
- Be able to work with all people from various backgrounds with different experiences
- Be able to stay calm under pressure
Skills required
To work successfully as a phlebotomist, you need to consider the skills that you have. You would need to demonstrate the following:
- Be well organised and able to plan your time
- Be able to communicate with a variety of people using different methods.
- Have positive customer service skills
- Be able to reassure those who may be anxious, scared, angry or distressed.
- Be able to make decisions
- Have good observational skills
Training and development opportunities
When you begin to work as a phlebotomist, you will receive the training you require to be able to undertake the role successfully. You will receive an induction which will introduce you to the department you will be working in, will support you in accessing the IT systems and will ensure you are aware of the policies and procedures you will be required to follow in the undertaking of your role. You will also have to complete any statutory and mandatory training that your employer requires such as fire training, data security training and customer service.
Phlebotomists are trained on the job and so securing a trainee phlebotomist position is recommended. The training includes theory and practical work including:
- How to take blood from different patient groups, including children and the elderly
- The different ways to take blood
- Important health and safety considerations
- Basic anatomy and physiology
- How to label samples and record these
If you take a freestanding course in phlebotomy before applying for a job as a phlebotomist, there is no guarantee of a position within the NHS.
Before you can work unsupervised, you will be required to work under the guidance of a trained supervisor.
Career development opportunities
Once you have experience working as a phlebotomist, there are other roles you could progress into. You could lead a team, become a supervisor or develop your career into management. You could also transfer into other specialist healthcare roles such as becoming a healthcare assistant once you have achieved the requirements of this role.
Phlebotomists can become members of the National Association of Phlebotomists (NAP) or associate members of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) which offer training and conferences for phlebotomists.
Pay and benefits
Phlebotomists usually work 37.5 hours per week and there will be the requirement to work flexibly over seven days which could involve nights, evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
Phlebotomists in the NHS are paid using the Agenda for Change (AfC) system and will usually start their career on AfC band 2 or 3. Phlebotomists who are qualified may be able to apply for a more senior position on AfC band 4.
Other benefits of working within the Phlebotomy team within the NHS include access to a pension scheme, health service discounts such as a Blue Light Card and 27 days of annual leave in addition to bank holidays.