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Laboratory phlebotomist vs phlebotomy technician

The differences between laboratory phlebotomists and phlebotomy technicians 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 phlebotomy technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a phlebotomy technician has an average salary of $34,725, 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 phlebotomy technician are patients, infection control, and blood specimens.

Laboratory phlebotomist vs phlebotomy technician overview

Laboratory PhlebotomistPhlebotomy Technician
Yearly salary$33,951$34,725
Hourly rate$16.32$16.69
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs48,645107,110
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 25%Associate Degree, 18%
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 phlebotomy technician do?

A phlebotomy technician is responsible for conducting the medical procedure of drawing blood samples using extraction tools and other equipment. Phlebotomy technicians label the samples for laboratory examinations, donation testing, and other related purposes. They also inspect and maintain the cleanliness of medical equipment, including sterilization of needles and other tools, to avoid contamination that would affect the accuracy of the results. A phlebotomy technician records fluid tests and procedures for reference and patient examination history.

Laboratory phlebotomist vs phlebotomy technician salary

Laboratory phlebotomists and phlebotomy technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Laboratory PhlebotomistPhlebotomy Technician
Average salary$33,951$34,725
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $45,000Between $26,000 And $45,000
Highest paying CityFremont, CA-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companyUniversity of California, Berkeley-
Best paying industryHealth Care-

Differences between laboratory phlebotomist and phlebotomy technician education

There are a few differences between a laboratory phlebotomist and a phlebotomy technician in terms of educational background:

Laboratory PhlebotomistPhlebotomy Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 25%Associate Degree, 18%
Most common majorMedical Assisting ServicesMedical Assisting Services
Most common college-University of Connecticut

Laboratory phlebotomist vs phlebotomy technician demographics

Here are the differences between laboratory phlebotomists' and phlebotomy technicians' demographics:

Laboratory PhlebotomistPhlebotomy Technician
Average age4144
Gender ratioMale, 20.2% Female, 79.8%Male, 16.3% Female, 83.7%
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, 11.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 11.9% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between laboratory phlebotomist and phlebotomy technician 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

Phlebotomy technician example responsibilities.

  • Communicate and collaborate with care team members to implement a plan of care for oncology and surgical patients.
  • Comply with CLIA regulations for CLIA Waivedtesting.
  • Transport patients/clients using wheelchair or stretchers and assist patients with walking and exercise.
  • Operate electrocardiogram (EKG), and other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests.
  • Assist patients with ADL's, implementation of therapy according to plan of treatment.
  • Assist patients with tending to personal care and activities of daily living (ADL).
  • Show more

Laboratory phlebotomist vs phlebotomy technician skills

Common laboratory phlebotomist skills
  • Patients, 19%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Specimen Collection, 6%
  • Blood Specimens, 5%
  • Patient Care, 5%
  • Phlebotomy Procedures, 4%
Common phlebotomy technician skills
  • Patients, 19%
  • Infection Control, 9%
  • Blood Specimens, 7%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Cleanliness, 6%
  • Specimen Collection, 6%

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