ASCP Phlebotomy Technician Certification 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The procedure of collecting blood samples is a direct responsibility of a phlebotomy technician. This task involves obtaining blood specimens from patients through venipuncture or capillary puncture, which are essential for various laboratory tests and diagnostics. Phlebotomy technicians are trained to perform this procedure safely and efficiently, ensuring proper techniques are used to minimize patient discomfort and reduce the risk of complications, such as hematoma or infection.

While taking patient histories, performing arterial punctures, and monitoring vital signs are important tasks in the clinical setting, they fall outside the typical scope of practice for a phlebotomy technician. Taking patient histories is usually the responsibility of a nurse or physician, as it requires a more in-depth understanding of medical history and current health conditions. Performing arterial punctures demands specialized training and is frequently done by respiratory therapists or specially trained nurses, as it poses higher risks and requires specific skills. Monitoring vital signs is generally assigned to nursing staff as part of patient assessment and ongoing care, which is also beyond the specific training and responsibilities of a phlebotomy technician.