CLSI Celebrates National Phlebotomists Recognition Week

To acknowledge the work done by phlebotomists, the Registered Phlebotomy Technicians (RPT) and American Medical Technologists (AMT) have designated February 14-18, 2022, as National Phlebotomists Recognition Week (NPRW).

Phlebotomists are essential members of the health care system. Their skill and expertise are necessary to perform venipunctures and other laboratory test sample collections. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of phlebotomists, laboratorians are able to accurately perform patient sample testing that helps clinicians diagnose and treat patients.

CLSI provides essential standards and other educational products for phlebotomists and other health care providers who perform venipuncture.

Our most well-known phlebotomy standard, GP41—Collection of Diagnostic Venous Blood Specimens, provides a descriptive, stepwise process and procedures reflecting the quality system essentials format for diagnostic venous blood specimen collection. Special considerations for collections from vascular access devices, blood culture collection, and collections in isolation environments are included, as well as how to handle emergency situations. An expanded appendix section provides helpful tips for collecting specimens from pediatric and other challenging patients.

GP42—Collection of Capillary Blood Specimens provides procedures for collection of capillary blood specimens that contribute to the accuracy of the results and the safety of the patient and the health care professional. Specifications for collection sites, puncture depth, and disposable devices used to collect, process, and transfer capillary blood specimens are also included.

And GP48—Essential Elements of a Phlebotomy Training Program is an invaluable resource for those who develop phlebotomy training programs and courses. GP48 is designed for college and proprietary school educators, nurse educators, educational coordinators, laboratory directors and managers, phlebotomy supervisors, and any other health care professionals or educators responsible for the development and/or implementation of a specimen collection training program.