skillfactor-pipeline/skills/phlebotomist/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — phlebotomist

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 31-9097.00 (Phlebotomists).

Task statements

• [Core] Collect fluid or tissue samples, using appropriate collection procedures.
• [Core] Dispose of blood or other biohazard fluids or tissue, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, or policies.
• [Core] Dispose of contaminated sharps, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and policies.
• [Core] Document route of specimens from collection to laboratory analysis and diagnosis.
• [Core] Draw blood from capillaries by dermal puncture, such as heel or finger stick methods.
• [Core] Draw blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.
• [Core] Explain fluid or tissue collection procedures to patients.
• [Core] Match laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes.
• [Core] Organize or clean blood-drawing trays, ensuring that all instruments are sterile and all needles, syringes, or related items are of first-time use.
• [Core] Collect specimens at specific time intervals for tests, such as those assessing therapeutic drug levels.
• [Core] Conduct hemoglobin tests to ensure donor iron levels are normal.
• [Core] Conduct standards tests, such as blood alcohol, blood culture, oral glucose tolerance, glucose screening, blood smears, or peak and trough drug levels tests.
• [Core] Enter patient, specimen, insurance, or billing information into computer.
• [Core] Process blood or other fluid samples for further analysis by other medical professionals.
• [Core] Provide sample analysis results to physicians to assist diagnosis.
• [Core] Train other medical personnel in phlebotomy or laboratory techniques.
• [Core] Transport specimens or fluid samples from collection sites to laboratories.
• [Supplemental] Draw blood from arteries, using arterial collection techniques.
• [Supplemental] Administer subcutaneous or intramuscular injects, in accordance with licensing restrictions.
• [Supplemental] Calibrate or maintain machines, such as those used for plasma collection.
• [Supplemental] Determine donor suitability, according to interview results, vital signs, and medical history.
• [Supplemental] Monitor blood or plasma donors during and after procedures to ensure health, safety, and comfort.
• [Supplemental] Serve refreshments to donors to ensure absorption of sugar into their systems.

Detailed work activities

• Clean medical equipment.
• Collect biological specimens from patients.
• Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals.
• Communicate test or assessment results to medical professionals.
• Compile data or documentation.
• Conduct diagnostic tests to determine patient health.
• Dispose of biomedical waste in accordance with standards.
• Evaluate characteristics of individuals to determine needs or eligibility.
• Explain technical medical information to patients.
• Feed patients.
• Give medications or immunizations.
• Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.
• Maintain medical equipment or instruments.
• Maintain medical records.
• Monitor patients to detect health problems.
• Prepare biological samples for testing or analysis.
• Prepare biological specimens for laboratory analysis.
• Prepare medical instruments or equipment for use.
• Prepare official health documents or records.
• Teach medical procedures to healthcare personnel.
• Transport biological or other medical materials.