Drawing out blood for the betterment of science seems gnarly? It is if you don’t have the right equipment when you’re joining a phlebotomy lab.
If you’re thinking about entering the medical field as a phlebotomist, you need to know the various tools and equipment used during the process. Being familiar with the common items in a phlebotomy lab can help you be more efficient in your work.
Let’s break down the seven essential phlebotomy equipment that you can expect to find and need in the average clinical lab.
1. Basic Safety Equipment
One of the most important things to add to your phlebotomy equipment list is safety items. These are gloves, gowns, and masks. These help to protect both the patient and the phlebotomist from the spread of infection.
2. Sharps Disposal Containers
There are many different types of sharps disposal containers, but they all serve the same purpose. That is to safely and securely dispose of sharp objects.
The most common type of container is a puncture-resistant container. It is designed to prevent sharp objects from puncturing through and causing injury.
Other types include those designed for sharps with infectious material like used needles and scalpels.
3. Tourniquets
Tourniquets are an important piece of phlebotomy lab equipment that assistants need. They apply pressure to the arm to help veins become more visible and accessible for venipuncture.
Tourniquets are usually made of elastic material or Velcro and are available in a variety of sizes.
4. Phlebotomy Lab Needles, Kits, and Labels
Phlebotomy lab assistants have to be familiar with common sharp items and kits, including needles, venipuncture kits, and labels. These are essential for ensuring accuracy and safety when performing phlebotomy procedures.
Needles draw blood from a vein, and venipuncture kits contain all the necessary phlebotomy supplies and equipment for carrying out the procedure. Labels are used to identify the vial or tube containing the blood specimen.
Syringe filters are used to filter out any impurities in the blood sample before it is sent to the lab for testing. Without a syringe filter, the blood sample could be contaminated and the results could be inaccurate. Chrom Tech offers superb syringe filters made from quality medical-grade materials.
5. Laboratory Equipment, Such as Centrifuges and Microscopes
In every phlebotomy lab, you’ll find a variety of equipment that is essential for completing the tasks at hand. This includes centrifuges and microscopes used in separating and examining blood cells.
Others include coagulation timers, electronic balances, and glassware. Although the specific items in each phlebotomy lab may vary, these are the types of items you can expect to find in most labs.
6. Computers and Software for Data Management
Every phlebotomy lab equipment needs computers and software for data management. This is for keeping track of patient information, lab results, scheduling appointments as well as phlebotomy supplies and equipment.
7. Proper Lighting
Next on our phlebotomy equipment list is proper lighting to ensure that the area is well-lit. This is important so that the phlebotomist can see the vein and avoid any accidents.
The phlebotomist will also have a light source to help them see the vein. Sometimes, a magnifying glass is used to help the phlebotomist see the vein.
Maintain Phlebotomy Lab
A phlebotomy lab is a very important place in a hospital. It is where blood is taken from patients for testing, diagnosis, and treatment.
By understanding the basic equipment found in every phlebotomy lab, you can be better prepared for your next phlebotomy appointment.
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