Desk references are handy, no matter what your profession is. However, they are even more important for medical professionals. Phlebotomists often have to keep up on the latest venipuncture procedures. Additionally, even experienced phlebotomists may run into terminology they are not familiar with, or need to refresh their memory on certain procedures. Here are five great resource books that should have a home in every phlebotomist’s office library.
Phlebotomy Essentials By Ruth E. McCall and Cathee M. Tankerslee
As of this writing, the latest edition of this book is the fifth edition published in 2011. Updated with the latest NAACLS competencies, new federal regulations and current CLSI guidelines, this book provides extensive coverage of the field. Phlebotomy Essentials is a fantastic comprehensive resource for all things related to phlebotomy. Both experienced and novice phlebotomists will find this book extremely useful to have around.
Blood Specimen Collection FAQs By Dennis Ernst
This book answers hundreds of frequently asked questions about specimen collection. The Center for Phlebotomy Education compiled this referenced book based on the most commonly reoccurring questions global healthcare professionals have asked them over the years. From safety procedures to specimen handling, this book is a fantastic reference to have around for unexpected situations.
Phlebotomy: A Client-Based Approach By: Bonnie Karen Davis
When you are caught up in a day-to-day routine of seeing patients, it can be very easy to slip into a work mindset and forget that you are dealing with actual people. Davis’s client-based approach to phlebotomy serves as a great reminder that phlebotomists not only need to not only be able to safely draw samples and keep them organized, but that they serve a customer service role as well. Phlebotomists who can put difficult patients at ease are highly valued.
The Complete Textbook of Phlebotomy By: Lynn B. Hoeltke
Although this book was written as a guide for exam preparation, it also makes a great reference to remember things that you learned in school that you might not do regularly at your job. The Complete Textbook of Phlebotomy is an all-inclusive textbook that covers more than just venipuncture. One especially nice feature of this book is that all the procedures are accompanied by full color illustrations that show the proper techniques and equipment.
Success! in Phlebotomy By: Kathleen Becan-McBride and Diana Garza EdD MT (ASCP) CLS
Even though this book is another test preparation guide, the publisher constantly updates the series to keep track of the latest trends and current Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) phlebotomy standards. Whether you are looking for a quick review, or you just want to keep your training up-to-date, this book is an invaluable resource for phlebotomists who aspire to stay on top of industry standards.
Phlebotomy, like all medical professions, requires a commitment to lifelong learning. Phlebotomists who fall behind the times may have trouble finding the kind of job they want. These five books will help you keep your skills current and may even help you learn some new ones as well.
About the Author: Benito Choo is a phlebotomy graduate who loves updating his reference collection. He’s currently applying to work at a phlebotomy institute and hopes to offer incredible classes to new students.
