10 Jun The Essential Phlebotomy Equipment and Supplies You Should Know
As a phlebotomist, it’s very important to have the right tools and phlebotomy equipment. This helps them do their job well and keeps patients safe. We wrote this article for all phlebotomists, whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your skills. Let’s talk about the tools that every phlebotomist needs to have.
Phlebotomy Chairs
Phlebotomy chairs help patients feel comfortable and safe when their blood is drawn. These chairs can adjust to fit people of different sizes. They are sturdy and make it easy for the phlebotomist to reach the patient’s arm. When choosing a chair, find one that is strong, with soft armrests, and can lean back a little. This makes the patient feel less worried and helps the phlebotomist see their veins better.
Colored Tubes
Phlebotomists use special tubes to collect and carry blood. These tubes have caps of different colors. Each color means something different, like what kind of test the blood will be used for. For example, tubes with red caps are usually for serum tests, and purple caps mean the tube has EDTA.
Needles
Since patients have veins of all sizes, having the right needle is important. The size you pick depends on how thick the patient’s veins are, how thin their blood is, and sometimes, what you’re drawing the blood for. It’s important to have needles of all sizes ready to use. There are even safety needles that pull back into the holder after use to help prevent accidents.
Needle Holders
In addition to needles, a phlebotomist needs needle holders. These hold the needle to the tube where the blood goes. They should only be used once to keep things clean and safe. Because needle holders are an important part of drawing blood, a phlebotomist must have many in their toolkit.
Safety Gear
Depending on where you work, phlebotomists may wear gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection. This keeps both the patient and the phlebotomist safe from germs. Protective equipment such as gloves should be changed between patients. Always ensuring you have lots of safety gear will keep everyone safe.
Sharps Container
It’s very important to throw away used needles and other sharp things safely. Sharps containers, created specifically for medical needles, are strong and won’t leak or crack. The phlebotomist must ensure their container is labeled correctly for safety purposes. This is a highly important tool to have on hand.
Preparation and Hygiene Supplies
Tourniquets are a must in a supply kit because they help make veins visible and easy to poke. Furthermore, alcohol pads clean the puncture site and prevent infections. A phlebotomist’s kit should contain a large supply of both of these things.
Labeling Supplies
Labeling supplies such as pens, papers, labels, and important documents should always be on hand. Phlebotomists must write down the patient’s name, birth date, and the time on the blood sample. This keeps the samples organized and helps make sure the tests are correct.
Phlebotomy Cart
Having a cart with different sections for phlebotomy equipment makes the phlebotomist’s job easier. It’s important to look for a cart that can be moved easily, especially if the phlebotomist needs to go to different places to draw blood. You’ll also want a cart with lots of storage compartments for all the tools you need. This will also help keep blood collection tubes safe from being ruined by intense environments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having the right equipment and knowing how to use them properly makes a big difference in phlebotomy. It helps the phlebotomist do their job better and makes things safer for the patient. If you want to get better at phlebotomy or start learning it, getting the right training and certification is important. Check out our resources at Phlebotomy Training Specialists to learn more and improve your skills.