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The differences between blood bank technicians and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a blood bank technician and a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist. Additionally, a blood bank technician has an average salary of $53,664, which is higher than the $34,553 average annual salary of a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist.
The top three skills for a blood bank technician include blood bank, clinical laboratory and patients. The most important skills for a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist are patients, blood specimens, and customer service.
| Blood Bank Technician | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Yearly salary | $53,664 | $34,553 |
| Hourly rate | $25.80 | $16.61 |
| Growth rate | - | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 54,130 | 74,428 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Associate Degree, 23% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
A blood bank technician is typically a trained phlebotomist who works with donors and patients on a daily basis. They are primarily in charge of collecting blood and other components, labeling and storing them according to protocols, and preparing them for transfusion. They also work at laboratories to test and analyze different samples, assess potential donors, and maintain extensive records. Moreover, a blood bank technician assists donors or patients by answering inquiries, providing instructions, and helping them be at ease during the procedure.
A laboratory assistant/phlebotomist is responsible for drawing blood samples and other laboratory tests, labeling specimens, and performing administrative and clerical duties as needed. Laboratory assistants/phlebotomists should ensure that the laboratory tools and equipment are stored and secured in a safe area, as well as regularly sterilizing testing tools to avoid contamination upon the use of the patients. They must be highly knowledgeable of the medical procedures and processes, responding to the patients' inquiries and concerns, and providing a timely update of medical results.
Blood bank technicians and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Blood Bank Technician | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Average salary | $53,664 | $34,553 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $72,000 | Between $27,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | Palo Alto, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | - |
| Best paying company | First Republic Bank | - |
| Best paying industry | Finance | - |
There are a few differences between a blood bank technician and a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist in terms of educational background:
| Blood Bank Technician | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Associate Degree, 23% |
| Most common major | Medical Technician | Medical Assisting Services |
| Most common college | New York University | University of Connecticut |
Here are the differences between blood bank technicians' and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists' demographics:
| Blood Bank Technician | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 33.4% Female, 66.6% | Male, 17.1% Female, 82.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 12.0% White, 54.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 12.0% White, 54.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |