MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE PROGRAM

PRINCIPLES OF
MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE 2

Name__________________________________ Points Earned:__________________

Section ___________Group_____________ Date __________________________

LEARNING ACTIVITY NO. 2:

THE PHLEBOTOMIST

Specific Learning Objectives:

a. Define the nature of being a Phlebotomist.

b. Explain why blood is collected by the Phlebotomist.
c. Outline the Phlebotomist’s responsibilities to the patient.
d. Discuss the traits that form the professional image of the Phlebotomist.
e. Explain why the Phlebotomist has a special responsibility to present a neat, pleasant,
and competent demeanor.
f. Explain the basic concepts of communication as they relate to the healthcare settings.

PHLEBOTOMIST: ROLE IN HEALTH CARE

The Phlebotomist’s primary role is to collect blood for accurate and reliable test results as
quickly as possible and with the lease discomfort to the patient. The job description can vary
greatly from one health care environment to another.

A Phlebotomist is usually cross-trained in venipuncture, capillary collection, patient care,

laboratory receptionist duties, sample processing, and computer work.

Phlebotomists have become key players on the health care team. They represent the
laboratory and the health care center, they are in direct contact with the patient, and they perform
tasks that are critical to the patient’s diagnosis and care.

PHLEBOTOMIST: PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE

Central to the job of drawing blood is the patient, who is often apprehensive about the
procedure we perform. It is important not only to obtain a good sample, but to do so with minimal
trauma to the patient. Bear in mind that the patient must be treated like anyone would like to be
treated. Everyone must follow a professional code of conduct in the treatment of patients.

The Phlebotomist’s own professional attitude toward the job and duties determines how
the patient is treated. If the Phlebotomist attempts to draw a patient and does not feel confident
about obtaining the sample, a “miss” of the patient will most likely result. Even when you try to
hide it, a negative attitude will resurrect its ugly head and destroy rapport with patients, coworkers,
and supervisors. It is not the events of the day that shape the Phlebotomist, it is how the
Phlebotomist deals with those events.
PHLEBOTOMIST: PROFESSIONAL GROOMING

Just as the professional attitude of the Phlebotomist can determine how well a
Phlebotomist is perceived by the patient, so can the grooming of the Phlebotomist affect this
perception. The average patient a Phlebotomist will be working with is an older individual for
whom often only conservative grooming and dress is acceptable. Most health care organizations
restrict what the Phlebotomist is permitted to wear.

The following are the common dress code for most hospital-employed Phlebotomists:
• No visible tattoos
• No body piercing other than a minimum of two in the ears (one for each ear)
• No fingernails longer than ¼ inch
• No Blue jeans or casual attire
• No open-toed shoes
• No t-shirt or sweatshirts

Often the Phlebotomist will be most comfortable and acceptable wearing scrub outfit. In
some health care organizations, the scrub outfit is furnished.
 MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE PROGRAM

PRINCIPLES OF
MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE 2

Name__________________________________ Points Earned:__________________

Section ___________Group_____________ Date __________________________

Learning Activity No. 2

THE PHLEBOTOMIST

I. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOME EVALUATION (GROUP WORK – 30 points

maximum)

1. Interview as many Phlebotomists as you can and ask them about their
experiences when performing Phlebotomy in the Laboratory.
(Respondents/Interviewees can only participate in ONE interview, please ask them prior if any
students from another group/class has already approached them with the same request as you. If
yes, proceed to a different interviewee).
2. Create unique and leading questions that will probe your interviewee’s genuine
inputs regarding the said matter.
3. Take note of the important highlights of their experiences and their advice.
4. Record the interview (which should show all members of the group). Video should
be between 10-15 minutes long.
5. Submit in a Compact Disc or USB (as prescribed by the instructor).

The following are the criteria for grading:

0 = needs improvement: did not perform

1 = fair: performed below the standard
3 = very good: performed within the standard
5 = excellent: performed beyond the standard

GROUP PERFORMANCE 0 1 3 5
Educational Content 1
a. The questions created by the interviewers covered
the lessons of this activity.
Creativeness
a. Each question given was unique and delivered with
creativity to enhance presentability of the entire
interview.
Appropriateness
a. The interviewers observed proper decorum during
the interview and showed due respect to their
interviewees.
Genuineness
a. Interviewees were not given a script and were
allowed to express their genuine opinions regarding
the queries posted to them by the interviewers.
Punctuality
a. Video is submitted on time, as deadline prescribed
by the instructor.
Educational Content 1
a. Interviewers were able to point out the important
highlights of the Phlebotomists’ experiences and
draw out lessons that will help guide them in their
chosen profession.