A phlebotomist is considered to be a clinical laboratory technician. As such, the phlebotomist does not perform complex laboratory procedures or tests. Rather, the phlebotomist simply collects blood samples in order to have them tested by someone else. In most cases, the phlebotomist works under the supervision of a laboratory manager or a medical laboratory technologist.
The hours a phlebotomist works will vary according to the type of employment setting as well as its size. In hospitals, for example, a phlebotomist may have to be available to work at any time of day or night, though most routinely work one shift. Because the phlebotomist must work with blood samples, he or she must be cautious in order to prevent infection. This is accomplished by keeping all equipment properly sterilized and wearing gloves and, in some cases, protective goggles and masks.
