The "PBT ASCP Phlebotomy Technician" refers to a person who has received certification as a Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). A Phlebotomy Technician is a healthcare professional who is trained to collect blood samples from patients for laboratory analysis. This involves using venipuncture, a procedure to collect blood from a vein, or capillary puncture, a procedure to collect blood from a finger prick. The collected blood samples are then used to perform various laboratory tests, such as complete blood counts, blood glucose tests, and electrolyte tests. The PBT ASCP certification program is designed to validate the knowledge and skills of phlebotomy technicians and ensure that they are competent and qualified to perform their duties. The certification is awarded to candidates who pass the ASCP's certification exam and meet the eligibility requirements, which typically include completion of a phlebotomy training program and a specified number of hours of clinical experience. Holding the PBT ASCP certification can demonstrate a commitment to professional development and can enhance the credibility and marketability of phlebotomy technicians in the healthcare industry.
The Phlebotomy Technician PBT(ASCP) certification is offered by the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC)
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), Phlebotomy Technician, PBT(ASCP) validates the technician's ability and knowledge to adhere to laboratory safety protocols and infection control while collecting, transporting, and processing blood or other specimens to be analyzed in the laboratory. Phlebotomy Technicians work under the general supervision of a medical doctor, licensed healthcare practitioner, or laboratory supervisor. Candidates must meet a combination of eligibility requirements and pass a written exam.
The PBT certification exam questions encompass the following content areas within Phlebotomy: Circulatory System, Specimen Collection, Specimen Handling, Transport and Processing, Waived and Point-of-Care Testing, Non-Blood Specimens, and Laboratory Operations. Each of these content areas comprises a specific percentage of the overall 80- question exam.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Attainability:
Eligibility Requirements
The candidate must meet the minimum eligibility requirements of one of the following routes:
Route 1:
High school graduate (or equivalent), and have completed a NAACLS approved phlebotomy program within the last five years.
Route 2:
High school graduate (or equivalent), and have completed an acceptable two-part formal structured phlebotomy program in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory within the last five years. This two-part program must consist of 40 clock hours of classroom training, including anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system and 100 clock hours of clinical training and orientation in an accredited laboratory with a minimum performance of 100 successful unaided blood collections including venipunctures and skin punctures.
Route 3:
High school graduate (or equivalent), and have completed one year full time acceptable work experience as a phlebotomy technician in an accredited laboratory within the last five years. Work experience must include venipunctures and skin punctures.
Route 4:
High school graduate (or equivalent), and have completed RN, LPN or other acceptable accredited allied health professional/occupational education that includes phlebotomy training, and orientation in an accredited laboratory with a minimum performance of 100 successful unaided blood collections including venipunctures and skin punctures within the last five years.
Route 5:
MT/MLS(ASCP) or MLT(ASCP) certification.
Route 6:
DPT(ASCP) certification and a minimum performance of 100 successful unaided non-donor blood collections including venipunctures and skin punctures in an accredited laboratory within the last five years.
Route 7:
High school graduate (or equivalent), and have completed a phlebotomy program approved by the California Department of Public Health within the last five years.
Note: This credential may have multiple options for a Service member to meet eligibility requirements. Requirements listed here are based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements
Written Exam:
Circulatory System
Specimen Collection
Specimen Handling, Transport and Processing
Waived and Point-of-Care Testing
Non-Blood Specimens
Laboratory Operations
Exam Administration
In-person exam
Third-party test vendor