Phlebotomy Technicians

Ancient people did not understand the role of blood, but they knew it was vital. Some believed that it might even be the home of the soul. Early Egyptians bathed in blood, hoping this act would cure illness or reverse the aging process. Some Romans drank the blood of dying gladiators in order to acquire the athletes' strength and bravery. Over time, scientists began to understand how blood functioned and they searched for ways to collect it or transfer it from one person to another. The methods they used, the lack of sterile procedures, and their limited knowledge sometimes resulted in the death of the donor as well as the patient.

Modern techniques of blood collection, typing, and transfusion developed only within the last century. Today, professionals called phlebotomy technicians draw blood and work in clean, well-lighted laboratories, hospitals, and clinics.