Phlebotomy (Nursing)

Von Judith Gopo, BS, MT

(1)

Phlebotomy is the process of making an incision in a vein with a needle for the purpose of drawing blood for medical testing, transfusions, or research. This essential clinical skill forms the foundation of nursing practice, as nurses are often the primary healthcare providers responsible for blood collection in various clinical settings. Accurate blood collection directly impacts the reliability of diagnostic results that guide patient care decisions, making phlebotomy competency crucial for safe and effective nursing practice. Mastering proper phlebotomy techniques is critical for nurses, as improper collection can lead to erroneous lab values, unnecessary repeat procedures, patient discomfort, and potential complications such as hematomas, nerve damage, or infection.

Prior to studying phlebotomy, nursing students should have a basic understanding of human anatomy, particularly the venous system, as well as infection control principles. The clinical relevance of phlebotomy in nursing extends far beyond the technical aspects of blood collection—it represents a critical intersection between patient interaction, clinical assessment, and diagnostic support. Nurses who demonstrate competency in various blood collection methods contribute significantly to patient safety, comfort, and diagnostic accuracy while maintaining the therapeutic relationship essential to nursing care. Furthermore, understanding the complete process, from proper specimen handling to maintaining chain of custody, ensures that laboratory results accurately reflect the patient's physiological state, enabling nurses to monitor patient conditions effectively and collaborate with the healthcare team in delivering appropriate interventions.