Phlebotomist Training in California - CA

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: January, 11 2010

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In the broad field of Clinical Laboratory Technicians one of the specializations is that of a Phlebotomist. This specialization focuses on the drawing of blood from patients or donors, together with precise labeling, storing, testing, and analysis information related to that person’s blood. The blood must be properly drawn and processed following strict standards or the results and analysis could be misleading or inaccurate. Patient treatment is often greatly dependent on these results and an incorrect reporting of results can bring a misdiagnosis causing serious complications and errors in treatment.

There is an extremely high volume of laboratory testing and it is on a steady rise. Laboratory testing is very important in research and the development of new diagnostic procedures crucial in proper patient care.

The work situations for this occupation are usually at hospitals or other healthcare facilities or at medical and diagnostic laboratories. This career can include working with patients directly as well as testing and analyzing blood samples in a laboratory. In addition to the above there is great demand in the area of blood donation collections where phlebotomists travel to outreach locations. Work hours can vary greatly with day, evening, and/or night shifts and often include working holidays and weekends. Since hospitals are a 24-hour operation they need laboratory personnel available on a constant basis. Medical and diagnostic laboratories operate on a more regular workday schedule.

There are a variety of programs for phlebotomy training in California. Phlebotomy courses in California included in certificate programs focus on techniques for drawing blood as well as processing it after it is drawn.