Phlebotomists are clinical support workers who take blood samples from patients, usually in a hospital or clinic setting. They send the samples to a laboratory which are used to help in the diagnosis of illness.

The Work

You would:

• check the requests for blood samples on the computer
• explain to the patient what you are going to do and reassure nervous patients
• choose the best place to take blood (usually the inner elbow) and tie a tight band (tourniquet) which will help the vein to stand out
• select the correct colour-coded bottles (that attach to the needle) according to the number and type of tests required
• insert a hypodermic syringe into the vein, attach the bottle and draw off the blood, repeating for each type of bottle required
• label the blood sample bottle with the patient’s details and send the sample to the appropriate laboratory
• apply pressure and a small plaster over the puncture wound
• enter the records on the computer
• possibly help out with other laboratory assistant duties.

Pay

Under the NHS Agenda for Change pay scales salaries for phlebotomists are on Band 2, £21,814 to £23,820 a year. Senior phlebotomists are on Band 3, £23,914 to £25,808 a year. The current pay scales are from April 2022.

Conditions

• You usually work 37.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday.
• You work in outpatient clinics, wards or in health centres.
• You might work occasional weekends or holidays on a rota basis.
• Part time work is possible.
• You might have to work under pressure, dealing with a queue of patients.
• You wear a white tunic, plastic apron and plastic gloves.
• There may be a slight risk of a needlestick injury and HIV or hepatitis infection.
• You may have to be immunised against Hepatitis B.

Getting In

• There are no formal entry requirements but you may need some subjects at National 4 or 5.
• You may get in through a Modern Apprenticeship and study for SVQ Health Care Support (Clinical) at SCQF Level 6.
• There are private companies that offer training in phlebotomy.
• You will require a satisfactory criminal record check from Disclosure Scotland to show that you are suitable for this type of work. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details on the type you would need.
• Contact your local National Health Service (NHS) area Board and ask about trainee posts.
• You can find NHS job vacancies in Scotland by visiting NHS Scotland Recruitment.

What Does it Take?

You should have:

• a steady hand and good dexterity
• a responsible attitude to health, safety and hygiene
• good communication skills
• good interpersonal skills to cope with nervous patients
• a careful approach to detail
• teamworking skills
• an interest in science and technology.

You should be able to:

• follow set procedures
• handle sensitive and confidential information
• work accurately even under pressure.

Training

• Training is on the job, which can take up to six months.
• It includes practical experience and training with patients including babies, children and older people.
• It includes theoretical aspects such as codes of practice.
• You might do first aid training.
• At the end you may get a Certificate of Competence.
• You could study for the Certificate in Venepuncture.

Getting On

• You would keep your knowledge and skills up to date with in house training.
• The National Association of Phlebotomists run short training courses for working phlebotomists.
• After experience you could progress to phlebotomy supervisor, senior phlebotomist, team leader, trainer or manager.

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Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.