Phlebotomists must take precautions to avoid being injured on the job.
Phlebotomists are clinical laboratory workers who collect blood samples from patients for analysis. They play an important role in detecting and diagnosing diseases. Phlebotomists may work in a number of different health care environments, including hospitals, commercial labs, doctor's offices and home health agencies. The nature of the job creates certain dangers for workers.
(References 1 and 2)
Exposure to Infectious Agents
Since phlebotomists work with blood that could be contaminated with an illness, they risk exposure to infectious agents. Strict infection control and sterilization of equipment reduce the danger. Workers should take proper precautions and wear protective equipment such as gloves. (Reference 2)
Needle Stick
All health care workers are concerned about possible needle-stick injuries, but the danger is especially great for phlebotomists, who work with sharps all day. Risks from a needle-stick include transmission of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS. The Centers for Disease Control estimate that between 62 percent and 88 percent of such incidents could be prevented with safer medical devices.
(Reference 4)
Allergens
Many people are allergic to latex, which is the main ingredient in most gloves that health care workers wear. Non-latex gloves can be used instead of latex. Also, the phlebotomist risks an allergic reaction to the soap and sanitizing products used in the lab. (Reference 3)
Fatigue
Most lab workers spend a great amount of the day on their feet. This can lead to fatigue, back pain and other symptoms of leg and back strain. (Reference 2)
