What is Phlebotomy? A Guide to Blood Collection in the UK
Key Takeaway
Phlebotomy is the practice of drawing blood so it can be analysed in a laboratory. A phlebotomist is the person trained to do it. The draw can happen in a clinic or, with a mobile service, at the patient's home or workplace. Lola Dispatch is a platform healthcare businesses use to book mobile blood draws with approved phlebotomists.
What is Phlebotomy?
The word comes from the Greek phlebo (vein) and tomy (to cut). Modern phlebotomy is a routine procedure: a small needle goes into a vein, usually in the arm, and blood is collected into tubes that are sent to a laboratory.
Blood samples let clinicians look at markers that reflect how different parts of the body are working, such as blood cells, liver and kidney function, hormones and vitamins.
Blood is taken in hospitals, GP surgeries, clinics and private laboratories, and by mobile phlebotomists who visit the patient. Mobile draws suit people who find it hard to travel, and people who would rather not take time out to attend a clinic.
What Does a Phlebotomist Do?
A phlebotomist collects blood samples. The role covers the whole collection, from checking who the patient is to packaging the samples for the laboratory.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- •Identification and consent: confirming the patient's identity, usually with full name and date of birth, and checking they agree to the procedure.
- •Choosing a vein: the inner elbow is the most common site.
- •The draw: using a vacuum tube system, a butterfly needle or a syringe, depending on the patient's veins and how much blood is needed.
- •Labelling: labelling every tube at the point of collection. A mislabelled sample can mean a result is attached to the wrong person.
- •Aftercare: applying pressure and a dressing, and watching for fainting or heavy bruising.
- •Sample handling: storing and handing over samples as the laboratory requires.
Types of Blood Collection
Venepuncture
The most common method. A needle goes into a vein, usually in the arm, and blood is collected into one or more vacuum tubes.
Capillary Collection
A finger prick or heel prick, used when only a small amount of blood is needed.
Arterial Collection
Blood taken from an artery, usually by doctors or specialist nurses in hospital rather than by phlebotomists.
Types of Blood Tests
A handful of panels make up much of routine blood work. Below is what each one measures.
| Test | Abbreviation | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
| Full Blood Count | FBC | Red and white blood cells, haemoglobin and platelets. |
| Liver Function | LFT | Liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), bilirubin and albumin. |
| Thyroid Function | TFT | TSH, T3 and T4 hormone levels. |
| HbA1c | HbA1c | A marker that reflects average blood glucose over recent months. |
| Vitamin D | 25-OH-D | Vitamin D level. |
| Lipid Profile | Lipids | Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides. |
| Kidney Function | U&E | Urea, creatinine and electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. |
Phlebotomy Qualifications in the UK
Phlebotomy is not a statutorily regulated profession in the UK in the way nursing and medicine are. Employers and platforms set their own requirements, which usually include a recognised phlebotomy qualification, supervised practice on real patients, and background checks.
DBS Checks
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is a criminal record check. Roles that involve visiting patients at home usually ask for an enhanced check. On Lola Dispatch, each phlebotomist uploads their DBS certificate, phlebotomy qualification, insurance, ID and right-to-work documents, and Lola staff review them before the phlebotomist is approved. DBS and qualification expiry dates are tracked: reminders go out before expiry, and a phlebotomist is suspended when a document expires.
Choosing a Training Course
Some phlebotomists train on the job in a hospital or surgery; others take a private course. Courses vary in quality. Check that a course includes supervised venepuncture on people, not only practice on training arms.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Many employers expect phlebotomists to keep their practice current, for example on infection control, sharps disposal and patient identification.
Mobile Phlebotomy vs Clinic Blood Tests
Both have their place. Which suits a patient depends on their circumstances.
| Factor | Clinic | Mobile phlebotomy |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | The patient travels to the clinic | The phlebotomist comes to the patient |
| Setting | A clinical room | The patient's home, workplace or care setting |
| Sample transit | Often processed on site or nearby | Samples are carried to the laboratory after the visit |
| Often suits | Patients who live near a clinic | People with limited mobility, care-home residents, people who are anxious in clinics |
How a Mobile Blood Draw Works on Lola Dispatch
Lola Dispatch is used by healthcare businesses, not booked directly by patients. This is what happens when a client books a draw.
- 1
A healthcare business books the draw
The client books in the Lola Dispatch client portal or through the Integration API. It can also send the patient a booking link so the patient picks a time.
- 2
The job is offered to nearby phlebotomists
The job is offered to nearby approved phlebotomists. If an offer goes unanswered, it moves to the next nearest. Offers carry no patient details until a phlebotomist accepts.
- 3
The phlebotomist accepts
On acceptance the phlebotomist sees the patient details and the sample barcode is issued.
- 4
The visit
The phlebotomist confirms the patient’s identity, takes consent, draws and labels the samples. The app stores the job on the device, so actions made without signal queue and sync when signal returns.
- 5
The client follows the job
The client sees the job status as it changes.
Phlebotomy Career in the UK
Phlebotomists work in hospitals, surgeries, clinics and laboratories, and some work as mobile phlebotomists visiting patients. Lola Dispatch does not publish pay figures.
- •A route into healthcare: phlebotomy training is shorter than many clinical routes and leads to patient-facing work.
- •Mobile work: mobile phlebotomists choose which jobs to take. On Lola Dispatch, a phlebotomist accepts or declines each offer.
- •Progression: some phlebotomists go on to healthcare assistant, laboratory or nursing roles.
Lola Dispatch is invitation-only. Phlebotomists who would like to be considered can contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does having blood taken hurt?
Most people feel a brief sting when the needle goes in, and it passes quickly. If you are anxious about needles, tell the phlebotomist before they start so they can take extra care.
How long does a blood test take?
The draw itself usually takes a few minutes, including the identity check, the tourniquet, the draw and the dressing. A home visit takes a little longer because of arrival and sample packaging.
Do I need to fast before a blood test?
Only for some tests. The clinician or business that requested your test will tell you whether to fast and for how long. If nobody has told you to fast, ask them before the appointment.
Can a phlebotomist come to my home?
Mobile phlebotomy services do visit homes, workplaces and care settings. Lola Dispatch does not take bookings from the public: home visits through Lola Dispatch are arranged by the healthcare business that requested your test, which may send you a link to pick a time.
What checks does a phlebotomist need?
Phlebotomists usually hold a recognised phlebotomy qualification and an enhanced DBS check. Before Lola Dispatch approves a phlebotomist, Lola staff review their DBS certificate, phlebotomy qualification, insurance, ID and right to work.
Booking blood draws for your patients?
Lola Dispatch is invitation-only. Tell us about your service and we will be in touch.