February 14-18 is National Phlebotomy Recognition Week!
Mary Lanning Healthcare would like to recognize its amazing team of hard-working laboratory employees.
For most patients, phlebotomists are the “face” of the laboratory, present at bedside to collect and transport laboratory specimens for analysis. Phlebotomists are often the patient’s only contact with the medical laboratory.
Phlebotomy is an art form that takes practice and dedication A skilled phlebotomist often makes the job look easy. He or she collects blood from veins and arteries that are not visible while keeping pain to a minimum and protecting sample integrity.
Phlebotomists make dozens of careful and critical decisions from the moment the procedure starts to reduce pain and increase the chance of success. They collect venous, capillary and arterial samples to provide accurate results for quality and safe patient care. They do a job many people don’t like and would not be capable of performing. The critical work they provide should be celebrated every day, and this week we honor their hard work and dedication.
The MLH team of 21 phlebotomists and clinical laboratory assistants have mastered the art of phlebotomy and play a crucial role in laboratory science and patient care.
Did you know:
• 70 percent or more of medical decisions are based upon laboratory results. Accurate results start with a sample collected from highly skilled and trained phlebotomists.
• ASCP and AMT are board certifications available to those in the phlebotomy profession. The certifications recognize the critical skill and knowledge required for laboratory specimen collection Board certification requires a minimum of 120 hours of phlebotomy education or 1040 hours of phlebotomy work experience and high school diploma or GED for eligibility.
• On-boarding and training for a phlebotomist with no experience takes four to six months of full-time work to master competency.
• The Mary Lanning Laboratory has 12 phlebotomists and nine Clinical Laboratory Assistants. Six have achieved and maintained board certification through ASCP or AMT.
• Our team of 21 provides for more than 220 years of experience.