Phlebotomy is the process of withdrawing blood from a vein, the process is known as venepuncture. A person who performs phlebotomy is called a Phlebotomist.
The duties of a Phlebotomist may include:
- Ensuring correct identification of the patient
- Interpreting the tests requested on the request form
- Preparing the patients
- Accurately explaining the procedure to the patients
- Minimise the risk of infection
- Drawing blood into the correct blood tubes in the correct order
- Instructing patients on post-puncture care
- Labelling sample tubes with correct patient details
- Ensuring samples are delivered to the laboratory in a timely manner.
Phlebotomy Outpatients location and working hours
The Phlebotomy Outpatients department is found on the ground floor in the Pathology Department which is located in Area 2 at the end of the main corridor next to East Park Drive entrance.
Core hours: Monday-Friday, 08:30 to 16:45.
Please note this is when the department closes. Please be aware that there may be a queue of patients, WE ADVISE NOT ARRIVING AFTER 16:30.
Access and parking
There a limited number of car park spaces available outside the department with both disabled access and short-stay parking spaces. This is via the East Park Drive entrance.
Contact:
Core hours – 01253 956847
Outside of core hours – 01253 955639
Patient information
A fully completed request card (CyberLab form) must be sent with the patient detailing which tests are to be performed so the correct type and number of sample tubes are taken.
NOTE: Blood samples for CHROMOSOMES (for sending to St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester) MUST NOT be taken on a Friday as the sample will be too old for testing on Monday.
Quality assurance
Phlebotomists receive thorough in-house training which comprises of the Trust’s mandatory training (including Infection Control training, Information Governance, Consent and Data Protection), hand-washing training, and in-depth venepuncture training and have to conform with the Trust’s policies and procedures regarding performing venepuncture.
All our Phlebotomists are competency-assessed each year.
