A phlebotomy is a procedure for drawing and collecting blood to perform tests, transfusions, or research. A phlebotomist may work at a medical laboratory, hospital, blood bank, doctor’s office, or another healthcare facility. In order to become a phlebotomist, a person must take certified phlebotomy classes, like those offered at Big Apple Training in the Bronx and White Plains, New York.

There are a number of reasons to have a phlebotomy. For example, some people suffer from a condition called hemochromatosis, which means they have too much iron in their blood. Others have a condition called polycythemia which causes them to produce too many red blood cells. The regular removal of blood helps the body promote healthy iron and blood cell levels. For that reason, people with various blood disorders may be effectively treated with regular phlebotomies.

Many people also undergo a phlebotomy to help a medical professional make a medical diagnosis. You would also receive a phlebotomy at a blood banks if you wanted to donate your blood for patients who need transfusions. Blood transfusions can help save the lives of people suffering from severe infections, liver disease, kidney disease, severe blood loss, and more.   

During a phlebotomy, the nurse or phlebotomist technician will have the patient sit or lie down. The phlebotomist will check the patient’s blood pressure and test for anemia prior to performing the procedure. The needle will be inserted and the blood sample will be collected, and if necessary, sent for testing or transfusions. Afterward, a patient may experience symptoms including dizziness, mild discomfort in the afflicted area, or nausea. However, these side effects are temporary and aren’t generally serious. 

Reputable phlebotomy classes teach students how to safely and effectively remove blood. Through a combination of in-class and on-site work, a person can become a certified phlebotomist in eight months or less. As an important and life-saving field, the job market for phlebotomy technicians continues to rapidly expand.

If you’re interested in a meaningful and reliable career, check out the phlebotomy classes offered at Big Apple Training. The metropolitan health care education center also offers certified nursing assistant training, EKG technician courses, and more. You can learn more about taking classes by visiting the Big Apple Training website. To speak with someone at the Bronx location, call (718) 231-3600; for the White Plains campus, call (914) 4377-373.