Does it sound appealing to have a recession-proof career in the medical field that does not require extensive and exhaustive education and training? You may want to consider pursuing a career in phlebotomy especially if you have sound dexterity and enjoy helping others. You must also have a mentality of wanting to rise to the occasion if you want to work as a phlebotomist because you will be working in high pressure circumstances. You will be responsible for properly drawing blood from patients, analyzing the blood and storing the blood by following proper protocol. If you are seriously considering pursuing a career in phlebotomy, it is important that you are of the health risks that exist.
Phlebotomists are at a very high risk for needlestick injuries because of the number of venipunctures that are performed on-the-job. Needlestick injuries are wounds that result from an accidental puncturing of the skin. Those workers who use hypodermic syringes and other instruments are at an especially high risk for needlestick injuries. What does this possibly mean for you if do go on to become a phlebotomist? Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV must all be considered. Transmission of Hepatitis B can be nearly completely prevented through vaccination. However, transmission of viral Hepatitis C from needlestick injuries is a major potential health risk that all aspiring phlebotomists must be made aware of. You must also be made aware of the small HIV related health risk that exists working as a phlebotomist. There are 51 well-documented cases of HIV infections transmitted patients to health care workers. Out of these 51 cases, 20 were affiliated with phlebotomy. You will learn much more about all the potential health risks that exist when working in phlebotomy when you receive formal training. You will learn to follow strict safety protocol and regulations in order to minimize health risks to you and patients.
If you have chosen to pursue a career in phlebotomy, feel confident knowing that this is a strong field firmly embedded in the medical industry. Phlebotomists play a very important role in diagnosing the health of patients. It is important that you do understand the risk of needlestick injuries that exist when working in phlebotomy. Hepatitis C is an especially major concern in this field. You will learn important safety protocol when you receive formal training that will help minimize any potential threats or dangers working in this field.
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