Phlebotomists draw blood from people to be analyzed or donated.

Phlebotomists collect blood by place a tourniquet on a patient's arm, find a vein, and disinfect the puncture area. They insert a needle into the vein and draw blood into a collection bag or tube. Phlebotomists often talk with patients to help calm them and answer any questions.

Phlebotomists also take samples of blood through skin punctures. They prick a finger or heel to test a patient's blood sugar or determine blood type.

After drawing blood, phlebotomists label and store blood for processing. Sometimes phlebotomists transport blood samples to labs.

Phlebotomists make sure all equipment is sanitized before it is used to collect blood. They wear gloves to protect themselves from blood-borne diseases. They must observe strict safety protocols.

Depending on where they work, phlebotomists may do other tasks, such as:

• Greet patients
• Interview patients
• Take vital signs
• Write reports
• Process blood
• Train phlebotomy students

They are supervised by a clinical laboratory technologist or other medical professional.