"The hardest part of phlebotomy is getting the center of the needle into the center of the vein," says Rick Williams. He is a phlebotomist in Phoenix, Arizona.
"It requires patience, practice and good feeling in the end of your fingers -- a sensitive touch," he explains.
Williams' co-worker and supervisor, Maureen Chara, says explaining what phlebotomy is can be the toughest part of the job for her.
"A lot of people don't know what it is. When you tell them phlebotomy, they think you said lobotomy," she laughs. Mind you, they look just as leery when they realize she sticks people with needles and collects blood. "Yep. I stick 30 people a day, take vitals and general stuff."
"Most people don't like having needles stuck in them," admits Williams. "This job has taught me to deal with people and their needs, and make them feel comfortable while the whole process is going on."
And it is quite a process! His employer collects blood from people to spin down to plasma and concentrated red blood cells. Those blood products are used to develop HIV antibodies and blood clotting concentrates.
"This clotting factor concentrate for hemophiliacs comes in a three-millimeter vial. To fill a one-millimeter vial, it takes between 1,000 and 1,200 liters of plasma," explains Williams.
That's a lot of plasma, especially when you consider the Food and Drug Administration says a donor can only donate between 690 and 850 mm of plasma per visit. "It makes sure people are safe."
Williams remembers himself as a microbiology major at Arizona State University. "I used to donate plasma. And as I started learning more and more about it, I thought, 'this is neat!'"
Williams was hired and trained on the job. "You can go to school for it. They have classes for it, but those are three months long. This took longer, but it was easier and a less expensive way to do it."
Williams says he worked as a floor technician setting up machines and in reception before actually starting to collect blood from people. "A lot of people are really afraid of it," he says. "I never was."
"At first, you're always scared or nervous. But after you've stuck someone else, then you realize it doesn't hurt you at all!" comments Chara.
Chara started working as a phlebotomist while she was getting her nursing degree. "It was medically related and it just dealt with blood and blood products," she explains. Chara changed her major to biology.
"There's lots of future in this area," she says. Chara is now considering pursuing a master's degree in biomedical engineering.
Williams' long-term goal is to become a high school biology teacher. "This is great experience," he says.
Williams has learned a lot about the medical field and how to interact with people who are a little uncomfortable with their surroundings. "You baby them -- enforce the rules in such a way that you get the job done and keep on good relations," he explains.
Williams has perfected the 30-second conversation it takes to get the needle in and people hooked up to the tube that leads to the blood machine and centrifuge. "Yeah, it's a fantastic learning experience!"
"Don't think you'll collect blood for 15 to 20 years," says Eleanor Hooley. She is an instructor of medical laboratory assistants (MLAs). There may be lasers in the future to draw blood without venipuncture, or machines to analyze blood without invading the body.
"Everything is changing," she says. "MLAs will have to keep changing too. Continue to get the education you need to stay employed through the changes."
Williams has already seen changes. "I didn't get to practice on the dummy arm," he says with mock jealousy. "That's what we train our new associates on now!"
The dummy arm came too late for Williams. He's already mastered the toughest part of phlebotomy -- getting the needle in the center of the vein. "It's all psychosomatic [in your head]. It takes a lot of confidence in yourself. You have to know what you're doing and be 100 percent sure."