Every Phlebotomist Should Exercise Certain Consistent Precautions On A Routine Basis

As per the guidelines from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) several disease-specific precautionary policies for patients known to be or suspected of being infected with certain pathogens are recommended to be followed by phlebotomists. Universal standard precautions assume that all specimens are potentially infectious and should be handled accordingly.

Every direct contact with body fluid is infectious is the assumption in the Standard precautions. To prevent cross-transmission and exposure of the skin and mucous membranes to infectious microbes, avoid direct contact with patient specimens, and when contact is anticipated appropriate barrier precautions should be used " this is the essential element of standard precautions.

Every phlebotomist should exercise certain consistent precautions on a routine basis. These standard precautions recognize the infectious potential of any patient specimen and prevent cross-transmission of infectious disease to patients and the protect laboratory personnel from infected patients.

Potential exposure to HBV is prevented by recommended use of a licensed inactivated vaccine (HB). As a precautionary step for persons who are at a greater risk for Hepatitis B infection i.e. clinical laboratory workers, phlebotomists, and pathologists, use of this vaccine is recommended by CDCs advisory committee on immunization practices.

Phlebotomists working with blood specimens should follow safe work practices to eliminate the risk of transmitting infectious pathogens like:

- To disrupt transmission of infectious pathogens frequent hand washing according to the procedure - Eating, drinking, smoking should be prohibited in lab area. - Gloves, gowns, lab coats, masks, eye protectors, etc. Personal Protective Equipment used as required - Clean up any infectious fluids/blood spills immediately and minimize aerosolization - Waste disposal measures as recommended by OSHA and NCCLS are followed. Puncture"resistant sharps containers are used to dispose disposable syringes and needles, scalpel blades, and other sharp items. - Needles should not be recapped by hand, purposely bent or broken by hand, removed from disposable syringes, or otherwise manipulated by hand to prevent needle stick injuries. - Prophylactic measures for pre-exposure and post-exposure for handling potential occupational transmission of certain pathogens should be known by phlebotomist.

The knowledge of general safety regulations governing the clinical laboratory, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) mandated plans for chemical hygiene and for occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens, the importance of safety manual, and general emergency procedures is mandatory for a professional phlebotomist.

The disposal of sharps has always been a hazardous procedure for all health care staff. It is important to be aware of the risks involved in venipuncture. It is recommended that all health care professionals who carry out the procedure should be properly trained and makes use of a closed system-letting device, e.g. Vacutainers.

Case of a needle stick injury should be handled by following:

- Encourage bleeding from the affected site - Wash the injured area or irrigate with water or normal saline as appropriate - Cover with a suitable dressing - Record the patients name and ID - Complete an accident form - Inform immediate manager - Go to Occupational Health, GP or Accident and Emergency Department as appropriate

All the necessary techniques and procedures needed to be a competent and skilled phlebotomist are taught by accredited phlebotomist technician programs. Phlebotomy programs cover the subjects like: Anatomy and physiology, Blood and cell composition, Blood sampling procedures, and laboratory safety, and CPR procedures. Professional behavior, Quality control, Legal issues, Computer training are other courses which may be included in phlebotomy training program. Depending on the regulations and training for work settings each phlebotomy training school offers something different.