Phlebotomy
is the science and art of obtaining
blood specimens from patients for laboratory
analysis. Specimen accessioning is the
multi-tasked step for processing these
laboratory specimens.
The
Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences
offers a certificate program in phlebotomy
and specimen accessioning which is accredited
by the National Accrediting Agency for
Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
The program is composed of two courses.
Part
I consists of theory and student
laboratory practice in specimen
collection, processing and storage,
laboratory safety, anatomy and physiology
of body systems, and legal responsibilities
of the phlebotomist. Successful
completion of Part I is required
for admission to Part II.
Part
II consists of phlebotomy practice
on mannequin arms and electronic devices,
followed by clinical rotation consisting
of 120 hours and a minimum of 100
successful venipunctures and/or capillary
punctures of clinical practice. Students
are responsible for their own transportation
to and from clinical sites.
Upon
successful completion of Part I and
Part II, students are awarded a UMDNJ
Certificate and are eligible to take
the National Certifying Examination
in the Phlebotomy Category to become
a certified phlebotomist.
Phlebotomists
work in hospitals, private laboratories,
clinics and physician's offices under
supervision. In some settings, phlebotomists
may also process, store and ship various
medical specimens, instruct patients
on sample collection, perform clerical
duties related to record keeping of
laboratory tests as well an enter and
retrieve data using computers.
