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Laboratory phlebotomist vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist

The differences between laboratory phlebotomists and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a laboratory phlebotomist, becoming a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist has an average salary of $34,553, which is higher than the $33,951 average annual salary of a laboratory phlebotomist.

The top three skills for a laboratory phlebotomist include patients, customer service and specimen collection. The most important skills for a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist are patients, blood specimens, and customer service.

Laboratory phlebotomist vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist overview

Laboratory PhlebotomistLaboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Yearly salary$33,951$34,553
Hourly rate$16.32$16.61
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs48,64574,428
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 25%Associate Degree, 23%
Average age4144
Years of experience212

What does a laboratory phlebotomist do?

A laboratory phlebotomist is primarily in charge of drawing and processing blood samples from patients and clients for laboratory analysis. They must also perform clerical tasks such as maintaining records of all procedures and results, producing laboratory reports, responding to inquiries, answering calls and correspondence, and liaising with external parties such as vendors and suppliers. Furthermore, as a laboratory phlebotomist, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with laboratory and hospital staff for a smooth and efficient workflow.

What does a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist do?

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.

Laboratory phlebotomist vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist salary

Laboratory phlebotomists and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Laboratory PhlebotomistLaboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Average salary$33,951$34,553
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $45,000Between $27,000 And $43,000
Highest paying CityFremont, CA-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companyUniversity of California, Berkeley-
Best paying industryHealth Care-

Differences between laboratory phlebotomist and laboratory assistant/phlebotomist education

There are a few differences between a laboratory phlebotomist and a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist in terms of educational background:

Laboratory PhlebotomistLaboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 25%Associate Degree, 23%
Most common majorMedical Assisting ServicesMedical Assisting Services
Most common college-University of Connecticut

Laboratory phlebotomist vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist demographics

Here are the differences between laboratory phlebotomists' and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists' demographics:

Laboratory PhlebotomistLaboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Average age4144
Gender ratioMale, 20.2% Female, 79.8%Male, 17.1% Female, 82.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 9.6% White, 56.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%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 Percentage8%8%

Differences between laboratory phlebotomist and laboratory assistant/phlebotomist duties and responsibilities

Laboratory phlebotomist example responsibilities.

  • Follow written guidelines for identifying patients and labeling specimens, using computer to efficiently organize specimen collection by priority.
  • Record and perform EKG's.
  • Help set up centrifuges for blood testing.
  • Repair and recalibrate centrifuges for correct speed and weight.
  • Provide venipuncture and or EKG services for inpatient and emergency room as requested by physicians.
  • Process specimens in the emergency room stat laboratory.
  • Show more

Laboratory assistant/phlebotomist example responsibilities.

  • Order doctor prescribe lab tests, perform EKG's, answer phone calls, and order inventory.
  • Respond to stat collection assignments within fifteen minutes and in accordance with protocol.
  • Work effectively in a fast pace setting and prioritize duties for routine and stat testing.
  • Receive and acquire patient's body fluids, prepare and process EKG's on adult and children.
  • Collect specimens and set-up blood cultures and other microbiology cultures.
  • Deliver critical patient results as needed and maintain positive relationships with participating physicians and their patients.
  • Show more

Laboratory phlebotomist vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist skills

Common laboratory phlebotomist skills
  • Patients, 19%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Specimen Collection, 6%
  • Blood Specimens, 5%
  • Patient Care, 5%
  • Phlebotomy Procedures, 4%
Common laboratory assistant/phlebotomist skills
  • Patients, 18%
  • Blood Specimens, 13%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Phlebotomy Procedures, 5%
  • Specimen Collection, 4%
  • Patient Care, 3%

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