Topic > Medieval Barbers: Why I Want to Be a Phlebotomist

Did you know that in the Middle Ages in Europe, barbers worked as phlebotomists (“Five Interesting Facts About Phlebotomy.”)? Most people think sandflies aren't important, but they happen to be. I am usually one of the first people patients see during a procedure. The life of a phlebotomist is characterized by different jobs, techniques needed to draw blood, and getting proper education for this career. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Phlebotomists have many responsibilities to shoulder during this job. They should ask questions and receive information from patients before they start drawing blood. Finding the vein can be one of the most difficult parts because not everyone has visible veins. After they finish drawing the blood, they have to label it and deliver it to the laboratories. Another part of being a phlebotomist is having to calm patients. Most patients are very nervous, scared and fear the thought of a needle sticking into them. Patient information must be updated after the visit. The history of blood transfer is unusually unique. The Egyptians used to bathe in their blood, because they thought it could cure illnesses or keep them from aging (Paterson 678). The Romans also drank blood because they believed it would give them strength. Silver nibs or needles were attached to silver tubes and the tubes were attached to animal bladders (Paterson 678). Back then the blood was transferred like this, there was little cleanliness. Withdrawals have several jobs. Their jobs range from small medical practices to a government department (“Phlebotomist Jobs”). They work in laboratories, hospitals, clinics, hospitals, community health centers, etc. Although you may work on weekends, holidays and can be on call at times (“Presule”.). There is a high demand for this job because even people with higher medical degrees cannot draw blood like a phlebotomist. There is also a very high percentage of those who get a job and receive good pay. Most people think that blood can be drawn simply from a vein or a finger prick, but there are other ways. The most common way to draw blood from clients is venipuncture. Venipuncture is the puncture of a vein with a hypodermic needle, known as a needle stick. Something else they do is called Capillary Collection, which involves piercing the toes and heels. The most used puncture is the arterial puncture; this collects blood through collecting arteries (Paterson 698). Please note: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The steps of drawing blood are very tedious and require a lot of practice to perfect. First of all it is necessary to obtain the patient's medical history and involve doctors in the order of tests with the supply of filtered blood. Then measure their temperature and pulse. The skin is then cleaned with an antiseptic to clean the area. An elastic band is tied around the arm to make the veins more distinguishable. The patient is then asked to make a fist or provide a ball to squeeze. After choosing the vein, the technician inserts a needle into the vein and releases the rubber band. The Withdrawal takes the necessary amount of blood and disengages the needle. Pressure is then applied to the punctured section and a cotton ball is applied to stop the bleeding. Once completed, a bandage is adapted and you are ready to go. Works Cited Paterson, C. (2005). History of blood transfusion. Journal of medical history,, 50(2), 20-25.