Does a Clinical Laboratory Scientist draw blood from patients?
meridia In order to run tests to assist in patient diagnosis, a blood sample may be obtained by fingerstick or venipuncture. It depends on the facility (e.g. type and size) whether or not a clinical laboratory scientist (CLS) would be required to draw blood. In smaller facilities, it is more likely for the CLS to draw blood, but in larger facilities it would be less likely. Recently, blood collections (phlebotomy) have been practiced by trained technicians that specialize in drawing blood for the laboratory. Because the CLS may perform sample collections, blood collections are a part of our curriculum. However, many other health care professionals and personnel, including physician assistants and nurses, may perform blood collections. Frequently, it is the CLS who trains and supervises personnel that perform blood collections.
