A needle, a patient and a tube: The challenge of phlebotomy

A fine article by Gary L. Milburn, Ph.D, discussing the challenges and the importance of phlebotomists.

It is commonly accepted that over 70% of all medical decisions are based on laboratory results and now more than ever those results are used to make rehospitalization decisions. To provide a closer look at some of the challenges faced by long term care service providers, let's explore the role of a key partner in patient care—the phlebotomist. Often the phlebotomist is regarded as just a tool in the healthcare continuum between the patient and the laboratory result. Nothing could be further from the truth; phlebotomists serve an under-appreciated role in the management of the patient and, based on their performance, can actually affect the outcome of the clinical results.

Read more here.

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