Phlebotomists, affectionately known as phlebs, are among the most underappreciated healthcare professionals. Regardless of where they stand on being called “vampires” or “bloodsuckers,” their contributions are routinely undervalued by those who do not understand the importance of their role and the challenges they face on a daily basis. Here are five ways for medical professionals …
Needlestick and sharps injuries are a major concern at hospitals, healthcare facilities, and laboratories. An estimated 800,000 injuries occur annually in the United States. A CDC study estimated that in the average hospital, workers incur approximately 30 reported needlestick injuries per 100 beds each year. While the majority of these injuries don’t result in the transmission …
How to Remember the Order of Draw One of the most important sets of information a beginning phlebotomist must memorize is the phlebotomy order of draw. Blood cultures must be drawn in a specific order to avoid cross-contamination and ensure test result accuracy. Process is everything. Remembering correct phlebotomy order of draw can be easy …
Your blood draw patients are not all alike, so you cannot expect a single phlebotomy chair to meet all of their needs. Accommodating patients with chairs designed for their body types and tendencies not only leads to easier, safer draws, but also increases satisfaction and comfort. Patient satisfaction isn’t the only benefit of purchasing phlebotomy …
Why a Phlebotomy Chair Can Make or Break a Blood Draw Read More »
Phlebotomists have a challenging job that requires knowledge, dedication, and amazing attention to detail. Not all blood draws go smoothly, even for the most experienced phlebotomist. Different patients can present unique challenges, and communication across units sometimes isn’t as clear as it could be. Still, those who’ve been performing venipunctures for a while overcome these …
More than 50% of all healthcare-professional injuries are caused by overexertion, with almost half of those classified as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) — injuries to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, or nerves. Poorly constructed, unorganized workspaces and supplies are often to blame for phlebotomy-related MSDs due to designs that increase straining, stretching, and repetitious and awkward …
Ergonomics in Healthcare: Preventing Phlebotomist Injuries Read More »
Phlebotomists are knowledgeable, talented healthcare professionals whose work helps save lives. They also happened to choose a career that involves sticking people with sharp objects, so it should be no surprise that some of their thought processes are a bit quirky. Their unique perspective, their tendency to analyze and question, and their sense of humor …
There is way more to a blood draw experience than the draw itself. It really begins before the patient even sits down. From greeting to post-draw bandage application, every step in the process impacts how your patients perceive their level of care. All phlebotomy teams possess incredible knowledge, skill, and dedication to patient comfort and …
5 Ways to Better Manage Your Blood Draw Workload Read More »
If only the comments and pick-up lines phlebotomists hear were unique. It’s as if there’s one very short book on how to get under a phlebotomist’s skin (heh), and it’s required reading at unoriginal school. Well, don’t let ‘em get you down. Have some fun with it – or at least imagine having some fun …
Noisy draw carts can decrease patient satisfaction. They also can make healthcare professionals self conscious, especially when rolling over uneven surfaces. No one wants to be the loud one in a place of healing and rest. Your draw cart should never draw negative attention. Titan Draw Carts are built for many years of loyal, quiet …
