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What do Phlebotomists Dress up as for Halloween? Some Phlebotomist-inspired Halloween Costumes

From Denver to LA to the East coast, coming up with a unique Halloween costume that has never been done before always seems to be a challenge. Either someone else has already had the idea or your costume is so arcane that no one really gets who/what you are. Halloween can be fun for phlebotomists! […]

From Denver to LA to the East coast, coming up with a unique Halloween costume that has never been done before always seems to be a challenge. Either someone else has already had the idea or your costume is so arcane that no one really gets who/what you are.

phlebotomist-inspired-halloween-costumes

Halloween can be fun for phlebotomists!

But you?re a phlebotomist! Blood is typically a common theme for many Halloween parties, so why not incorporate that into your costume. Below are some phlebotomy-inspired costumes to get your blood going.

Coming up with a costume that no one else has can be extremely difficult. It may seem like each year you and all of Denver are wearing the same thing that you thought was a clever idea. With these phlebotomist-inspired Halloween costume ideas, your favorite night of frights will definitely be much more unique than anyone else?s.

? PhleBATomist

phlebotomy inspired costume for halloween

To the Bloodmobile! This one might need some explanation for other Halloween partiers, but hey, Halloween only comes once a year. What could be more fitting for Halloween than bats and blood? Well, a bat that draws blood as its occupation as a phlebotomy specialist, naturally.

For this costume, all you need is a bat costume, scrubs, and some fake blood. You just might win the prize for ?most original costume.?

?I want to draw your blood!?

Vampire Disguised as a Phlebotomist

vampire phlebotomist costume for halloween

Imagine a vampire attending phlebotomy classes in order to cause havoc in booming cities like Denver.

To cleverly be a vampire in disguise, start with a pale face, slicked-back hair, pointy teeth, and scrubs. You could even walk around dropping cheesy one-liners like, ?I want to draw your blood.?

? Sexy Phlebotomist

sexy phlebotomist costume for halloween

When all else fails, you could go the low-maintenance route and try to make an unforgettable crash at your Halloween party as the ?sexy phlebotomist.?

you can't scare phlebotomists on halloween!

What Causes Bruising After a Blood Draw? Preventing Bruising During Blood Donation

When it comes to drawing blood, there seems to be a never-ending list of concerns faced by phlebotomists. Tricky veins, screaming children and other not-so-fun issues can make drawing blood feel like a lot more of a hassle than it should be. Of course, finding meaningful employment in the medical field?thanks to one?s training in […]

When it comes to drawing blood, there seems to be a never-ending list of concerns faced by phlebotomists. Tricky veins, screaming children and other not-so-fun issues can make drawing blood feel like a lot more of a hassle than it should be. Of course, finding meaningful employment in the medical field?thanks to one?s training in phlebotomy?makes these issues manageable.

venipuncture
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

Of course, every phlebotomist must also be prepared to deal with the various questions and concerns that are brought up by those in their care. And often, patients become concerned when bruising occurs around the area where a blood draw took place.

While patients may be somewhat alarmed at the sight of bruising after a blood draw, in most cases, this is far from unusual. ZocDoc explains that bruising generally occurs because ?when a vein is accessed for a blood sample, a small portion of blood may leak into the surrounding skin as the needle is withdrawn.?

ZocDoc also explains that this bruising is more likely to occur when a large-gauge needle is used for the draw, or when a phlebotomist experiences what is often referred to as a ?difficult stick??when multiple pokes are attempted before the blood sample is successfully collected. The NHS notes that damage to the blood vessel or even a lack of applied pressure at the venipuncture site can also contribute to the bruising. Even simple, everyday activities like lifting heavy objects after a blood draw can put pressure on the venipuncture site and dislodge the internal clot formed.

In most cases, the bruising experienced by patients after a blood draw is nothing to be concerned about?much like the minor pain associated with a venipuncture. However, phlebotomists can do their patients a service by explaining the importance of applying pressure to the venipuncture site with a cotton pad after the blood draw (as this helps avoid bruising), and by employing another phlebotomy best practices to ensure that the entire process goes smoothly and is less likely to result in bruising or any other uncomfortable experience.

With time, the familiar blue-black discoloration of the bruise changes to green, then yellowish, and then it eventually fades and disappears. This can take up to two to three weeks if the bruise is large. Note that it is normal for bruises to spread out before fading.

The U.K. National Blood Service also notes that it is common for the bruise to spread or for bruising to occur ?away from the donation area.? This is (once again) typically not a cause for concern, though it is recommended that patients avoid heavy lifting with the bruised arm and possibly apply compression and ice as needed to help the bruised area heal.

Prevent bruising during blood donation:

  • Clothes with loose-fitting sleeves are the best choice for donating blood. A tight sleeve can function just like a tourniquet, causing congestion in the vein, and increasing the likelihood of bruising.
  • Applying firm pressure to the venipuncture site after donation until the bleeding has stopped will also help. Cover the venipuncture site with a band-aid or taped cotton ball that should be kept on for at least six hours.
  • Avoid lifting heavy objects for a few days after donating blood. As mentioned, this can exacerbate any bruising. Gentle movements are recommended while the bruise is healing.
  • If bruising has developed, apply ice or a cold pack to the area to help alleviate any pain or discomfort.
  • Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen for at least 24 hours. If you still require pain relief, acetaminophen (like Tylenol) is recommended.

Typically, the bruising will go away after a day or two, but in the unlikely event that the pain becomes severe, that the area begins to swell or become inflamed or other unusual symptoms occur, it is best to contact a medical professional immediately. However, such occurrences are quite rare. As many a phlebotomist has already learned, blood draws are a safe and important part of the medical process with minimal risk?even if mild bruising sometimes happens.

Controversial Blood Test Screens Couples for Genetic Diseases

Phlebotomy courses teach students how to safely draw and store blood. Places like Utah have multiple phlebotomy schools and clinics, but nobody ever seems to wonder what happens to the blood after it?s been drawn. Admittedly, most blood is quickly transfused into victims of accidents or surgery patients. But phlebotomy courses in Utah teach students how […]

Phlebotomy courses teach students how to safely draw and store blood. Places like Utah have multiple phlebotomy schools and clinics, but nobody ever seems to wonder what happens to the blood after it?s been drawn.

Admittedly, most blood is quickly transfused into victims of accidents or surgery patients. But phlebotomy courses in Utah teach students how to do much more. Blood drawn by phlebotomists can be used for a genetic screening intended to dramatically lower the incidence of genetic disease.

gemetoc-screening
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

iGenomix, a Spanish biotech company, has developed a blood test that indicates whether couples are compatible to reproduce. Experts estimate that nearly 8 percent of the world?s population is incompatible to reproduce with each other. That is to say, both partners carry faulty DNA that would likely result in a baby being born with birth defects.

It has been reported that the compatibility test screens for more than 4,500 mutations and can highlight danger for 600 genetic diseases. Those aren?t the only large numbers associated with the test. It costs upwards of $2,000 USD. The genetic screening test also means that women could learn about the future health of their baby as early as six weeks into pregnancy.

Reaction to the test has been very mixed. Some believe that it smacks of eugenics (the science of improving a human population by controlling reproduction in order to increase desirable human characteristics), while others see it as a means of preventing the pain and dangers of disease. Some might even compare this type of genetic screening with Andrew Niccol?s dystopian Gattaca.

?I have had experience of people who have had their test and their results have been good, so they?ve got peace of mind,? says Dr. Jenny Dobbs, a fertility consultant at one of the clinics currently offering the test.

Birth defects, which occur in nearly one in 20 pregnancies, range in severity from minor abnormalities to more extreme genetic disorders, and even mental retardation. The genetic screening test would enable future parents to decide whether to proceed with a pregnancy if conditions such as Huntington?s disease, muscular dystrophy, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, or cystic fibrosis  are detected.

?The options for couples who do find out they could be affected are that they do nothing, and risk having a child that has a disease,? she continues. ?The other options are not to have a child, not to have a family, to adopt or to have IVF treatment, where they can screen the embryos and only implant a healthy embryo in the womb.?

It is worthy to note that the decision to abort a fetus isn?t the only option available to parents. These test results could possibly help mitigate the effects of some genetic disorders. For example, some symptoms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, such as genital ambiguity, can be deterred if the mother is given a certain steroid before nine weeks of pregnancy. Thalassemia blood disorders can also be treated with blood transfusions administered soon after birth. Other disorders may be treatable in utero with gene treatments. The test development was originally intended for couples with family histories of genetic disorders, but proponents hope that the test can be incorporated universally.

Regardless of controversy, the test is a great victory for science. The study of medicine and phlebotomy will only become more thorough as time goes on.

The compatibility test has been a lightning rod for controversy, but can provide many potential parents with valuable peace of mind.

The 8 Most Common Kinds of Blood Tests

Blood tests produce samples that can be used for a number of different tests, from diagnosing diseases to monitoring cholesterol and blood glucose levels. Blood tests are used for so many different purposes that for medical professionals around the country, phlebotomy is one of the first things learned in introductory courses. The following are the most common […]

blood tests

Blood tests produce samples that can be used for a number of different tests, from diagnosing diseases to monitoring cholesterol and blood glucose levels. Blood tests are used for so many different purposes that for medical professionals around the country, phlebotomy is one of the first things learned in introductory courses.

The following are the most common types of blood tests performed by hospitals across the nation.

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A routine CBC test provides a broad range of diagnostic information, with the ability to detect anemia, infections, immune system disorders, clotting problems and blood cancers.

2. Blood Glucose Test

Persons with diabetes need to check blood glucose levels routinely in order to keep blood sugar levels from getting too high. While experts trained through phlebotomy courses can administer blood glucose tests, at-home test kits present a convenient alternative.

3. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

This test measures the density of red blood cells. The ESR test is used in diagnosing inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, endocarditis, Crohn?s disease, and polymyalgia rheumatica.

4. Blood Cholesterol Test

A blood cholesterol test is recommended to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease for all persons over 40. A blood cholesterol test is often administered by a nurse practitioner trained in phlebotomy courses, and only requires a pinprick.

5. Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Test

An ELISA test checks for specific antibodies produced by an infection or allergy, such as HIV or a peanut allergy.

6. Liver Function Tests

When the liver is damaged, it releases specific enzymes into the blood stream, and releases fewer proteins. Liver function tests can diagnose liver conditions such as alcohol liver disease, hepatitis, and cirrhosis.

7. Thyroid Function Tests

An overactive or under-active thyroid is typically diagnosed via blood tests examining the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine.

8. Testosterone Test

Professional athletes nationwide are often tested for high testosterone levels, a telltale sign of steroid abuse. Abnormal levels of testosterone can have adverse effects on fertility, libido and muscle mass.