Medieval Barber Workers: Why I Want to Be a Phlebotomist

Did you know that in the medieval times in Europe, barbers worked as Phlebotomists (“Five Interesting Facts About Phlebotomy.”)? Most people think Phlebotomist are not important, but it just so happens that they are. They are usually one of the first people patients see in a procedure. The life of a Phlebotomist is characterized by different work places, techniques needed in drawing blood, and getting the proper education for this career.

Phlebotomists have a lot of responsibilities to take on during this job. They have to ask questions and receive information from patients before they begin taking blood. Finding the vein can be one of the most difficult parts because not everyone has visible veins. After they are done with taking the blood, they have to label and deliver it to laboratories. Another part of being a Phlebotomist is having to calm the patients. Most patients are very nervous, scared, and fear the thought of a needle going into them. The patient’s records have to be updated after their visit.

The history of transferring blood is unusually unique. Egyptians used to bathe in their blood, because they thought it would cure illnesses or make them not age (Paterson 678). Also the Romans would drink blood because they believed it would grant them strength. Quills or silver needles were attached to silver tubing and the tubing’s were attached to animal bladders (Paterson 678). This was how blood was transferred back then, there was little cleanliness.

Phlebotomists have a variety of work places. Their jobs scope from small physician’s offices to a department in the government (“Phlebotomist Jobs.”). They work in laboratories, hospitals, clinics, hospitals, community health centers, and etc. Although you may work on weekends, holidays, and can be on call at times (“Phlebotomist.”). There is a high demand for this job because even people who have higher medical degrees cannot draw blood like a Phlebotomist. There is also a very high percentage for getting a job and getting good pay.

Most people think that blood can just be drawn from a vein or a finger prick, but there are other ways. The most common way of extracting blood from clients is Venipuncture. Venipuncture is the puncture of a vein with a hypodermic needle, known as needle sticks. Something else they do is called Capillary Collection, which involves perforation of fingers, and heels. The uttermost used puncture is the Arterial Puncture; this collects blood through artery collection (Paterson 698).

The steps of drawing blood are very tedious and take a lot of practice to perfect. First off you have to get the patients medical history and engage the physicians testing order with the supply of blood strained. Then take their temperature, and pulse. After this the skin is wiped 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 they will provide a ball to squeeze. After the vein is elected, the technician interjects a needle into the vein and discharges the elastic band. The Phlebotomist draws the blood amount needed and disengages the needle. Pressure is then applied to the section that was punctured and a cotton ball to cease the bleeding. Concluding a bandage is adapted and you are ready to go.

Works Cited

1. Paterson, C. (2005). History of Blood Transfusion. Journal of Medical History, 45(4), 678-701.
2. Johnson, M. R. (2018). Phlebotomy Techniques and Best Practices. Medical Laboratory Observer, 50(2), 20-25.