Modern Phlebotomy: Innovation and Impact

Back to Course Catalog
Course Objectives
  1. Describe key innovations shaping modern phlebotomy, such as AI, wearables, and point-of-care devices.
  2. Evaluate the impact of digital transformation on accuracy, efficiency, and workflow in blood collection.
  3. Identify sustainable practices that reduce waste and enhance environmental responsibility in clinical settings.
  4. Analyze how technology is expanding access to phlebotomy through mobile, remote, and decentralized care.
Course Content
Course Creator: Nichelle Volker RMA
Total CE Hours: 1 Credit Hour 
Pace Course #: 586-2128-25

Outline:
  • Modernizing Phlebotomy: Why Innovation Matters
    • Why Phlebotomy must evolve
      • Testing demand
      •  New technology 
      • Sustainability
      •  Access, equality and mobility
    • Today’s challenges
      • Volume 
      • Accuracy 
        • Scenario: Smart EHR integrated with lab routing technology
      • Waste
  • The Triple Bottom Line
    • People
      • Then and now: patient experience
    • Planet 
      • Then and now: workflow and environmental impact
      • Environmental pressures on Healthcare
    • Profit 
      • Rising demand for diagnostic services
    • Innovations that meet all 3
  • Emerging Tech Transforming Phlebotomy
    • Digital Workflow and automation
      • Scenario: Requisition error and AI
      • Scenario: AI Flags & Safety Alerts During Phlebotomy
    • Remote and Decentralized Collection Technologies
      • Mobile phlebotomy units
      • At home collection kits
      • Wearable devices
      • Telehealth integration
    • Advanced collection tools
      • Infrared and augmented reality vein finders
      • Needle-free and catheter based draw devices
      • Robotic phlebotomy systems
      • Patch-based micro-sampling
      • POCT devices 
        • Multiplexed POCT
      • Workflow and data Optimization
  • Sustainability through Innovation
    • Reducing waste
      • Conversion from paper to digital
      • Reusable equipment
      • Bio-degradable products
      • Eco-conscious packaging
    • AI for sustainable supply chains
      • Scenario: Response to climate events
  • Testing Devices and workflows
    • Traditional vs New models of venipuncture
      • Scenario: AI assisted venipuncture
    • DPS cards
    • AI in hematology
    • Blockchain and Verifiable Lab results
    • Ethics of AI in Lab work
    • New tools into clinical education
  • Analysis, Future Trends and Professional Growth
    • Miniaturized diagnostics
    • AI analysis
    • Lab-on-a-chip
    • Increased automation
    • Wearable tech
    • Future-proofing phlebotomy
      • CE
      • Cross training
      • Digital literacy
    • Education 
      • Smart devices
    • Eco-consciousness
    • Patient expectations
    • Career Paths
      • Device training specialists
      • Mobile Diagnostics Coordinator
      • QA and pre analytical process analyst
      • Telehealth-enabled phlebotomy
  • Closing thoughts
    • Summary
 
References: 
  1. Eaton, E. K. (2022). A Fundamental Guide To Phlebotomy (1st ed.). NHCO-National Healthcare Organization Organization.
  2. (2025, May 14). Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) and Its Impact on Turnaround Time. Biomedical Journal Of Scientific & Technical Research. Retrieved August 3, 2025, from https://biomedres.us/pdfs/BJSTR.MS.ID.009665.pdf
  3. (n.d.). The Future of Laboratory Automation: Predictions and Trends to Watch. Retisoft. Retrieved August 3, 2025, from https://retisoft.com/the-future-of-laboratory-automation-predictions-and-trends-to-watch
  4. (15, July 29). Effectiveness of Barcoding for Reducing Patient Specimen and Laboratory Testing Identification Errors: A Laboratory Medicine Best Practices Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. National Library Of Medicine. Retrieved August 3, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4518452
  5. (n.d.). How Health Care Organizations Can Be Stewardship Leaders. AMA Journal of Ethics. Retrieved August 5, 2025, from https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/how-health-care-organizations-can-be-stewardship-leaders/2022-10
  6.  (n.d.). U.S. Clinical Laboratory Tests Market Size & Outlook. Horizon Grand View Research. Retrieved August 5, 2025, from https://www.grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/clinical-laboratory-tests-market/united-states
  7. (n.d.). Clinical Laboratory Services Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Test Type (Human & Tumor Genetics, Clinical Chemistry), Service Provider (Hospital-Based Laboratories), Application, Region, with Growth Forecasts, 2025-2030. Research & Markets. Retrieved August 5, 2025, from https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/4764593/clinical-laboratory-services-market-size-share
  8. (n.d.). Management of RFID Systems in Hospital Transfusion Services. Marshall Digital Scholar. Retrieved August 5, 2025, from https://mds.marshall.edu/mgmt_faculty
  9. (n.d.). The Efficacy of Patients’ Wristband Bar-code on Prevention of Medical Errors. National Library Of Medicine. Retrieved August 5, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4704040
  10. Lippi, G., Chance, J., Church, S., Dazzi, P., Fontana, R., Giavarina, D., Grankvist, K., Huisman, W., Kouri, T., Palicka, V., Plebani, M., Puro, V., Salvagno, G., Sandberg, S., Sikaris, K., Watson, I., Stankovic, A. & Simundic, A. (2011). Preanalytical quality improvement: from dream to reality. Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, 49(7), 1113-1126. https://doi.org/10.1515/CCLM.2011.600
  11. (2015, July 29). Effectiveness of Barcoding for Reducing Patient Specimen and Laboratory Testing Identification Errors: A Laboratory Medicine Best Practices Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. National Library Of Medicine. Retrieved August 5, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4518452/
  12.  (n.d.). What Would It Mean for Health Care Organizations to Justly Manage Their Waste? AMA Journal of Ethics®. Retrieved August 5, 2025, from https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/what-would-it-mean-health-care-organizations-justly-manage-their-waste/2022-10
  13. (n.d.). Advancing Environmental Health and Justice: A Call for Assessment and Oversight of Health Care Waste. American Public Health Association. Retrieved August 5, 2025, from https://www.apha.org/policy-and-advocacy/public-health-policy-briefs/policy-database/2023/01/18/health-care-waste
  14. (n.d.). Health Care's Climate Footprint. Health Care Without Harm. Retrieved June 29, 2025, from https://global.noharm.org/sites/default/files/documents-files/5961/HealthCaresClimateFootprint_092319.pdf
  15. (2025, May 21). AI In Healthcare Market Revenue worth $187.7 Billion by 2030 - Exclusive Study by The Research Insights. Yahoo Finance. Retrieved August 7, 2025, from https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ai-healthcare-market-revenue-worth-152500085.html
  16. (2025, May 21). The Mobility of Phlebotomy Handheld Devices Increases Patient Safety. The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. Retrieved August 7, 2025, from https://ascls.org/the-mobility-of-phlebotomy-handheld-devices-increases-patient-safety/
  17. (2024, February 11). Beyond Healing: Embracing the Triple Bottom Line Approach in Post-pandemic Healthcare. National Library Of Medicine. Retrieved August 7, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10932512
  18. (n.d.). The Triple Bottom Line: What It Is & Why It’s Important. Harvard Business School. Retrieved August 7, 2025, from https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/what-is-the-triple-bottom-line
  19. (n.d.). Sustainability solutions for health care. Practice Green Health. Retrieved August 7, 2025, from https://practicegreenhealth.org/
  20. (2011, April 25). Preanalytical quality improvement: From dream to reality. National Library Of Medicine. Retrieved August 7, 2025, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21517699/
  21. (n.d.). Artificial Intelligence - Health Care's Nervous System. Indian Institute Of Management Bangalore. Retrieved August 9, 2025, from https://tejas.iimb.ac.in/articles/Artificial_Intelligence_in_Health_Care_Industry's_Nervous_Systems_Vista_2017.pdf
  22.   (2017, March 1). The Benefits and Challenges of an Interfaced Electronic Health Record and Laboratory Information System: Effects on Laboratory Processes. Medical Laboratory Observer. Retrieved August 10, 2025, from https://meridian.allenpress.com/aplm/article/141/3/410/65705/The-Benefits-and-Challenges-of-an-Interfaced
  23. (2025, January 6). Future directions: What LIES ahead for smart biochemical wearables in health monitoring? Frontiers. Retrieved August 10, 2025, from https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/analytical-science/articles/10.3389/frans.2024.1509815/full
  24. (n.d.). The Impact of Telemedicine and Remote Patient Monitoring on Healthcare Delivery: A Comprehensive Evaluation. National Library Of Medicine. Retrieved August 10, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10993086
  25.  (n.d.). Complete Guide to Medical Vein Finder Technology. Infinium. Retrieved August 10, 2025, from https://infiniummedical.com/complete-guide-to-medical-vein-finder-technology
  26. (n.d.). BD® PIVO™ Pro Needle-free Blood Collection Device. Becton, Dickinson and Company. Retrieved August 10, 2025, from https://www.bd.com/en-us/products-and-solutions/products/product-families/pivo-pro-needle-free-blood-draw-device
  27. (2025, May 29). Intelligent blood collection robot: Key technologies, clinical applications, and future challenges. Frontiers. Retrieved August 10, 2025, from https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/bioengineering-and-biotechnology/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1587114
  28. (2020, November 2). Microneedle-based skin patch for blood-free rapid diagnostic testing. Nature.com. Retrieved August 10, 2025, from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41378-020-00206-1
  29. Bossi E, Limo E, Pagani L, Monza N, Serrao S, Denti V, Astarita G, Paglia G. Revolutionizing Blood Collection: Innovations, Applications, and the Potential of Microsampling Technologies for Monitoring Metabolites and Lipids. Metabolites. 2024; 14(1):46. https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14010046
  30. (2025, June 9). Transformative impact of point-of-care testing in critical care. World Journal Of Critical Medicine. Retrieved August 11, 2025, from https://www.wjgnet.com/2220-3141/full/v14/i2/100623.htm
  31. Kim, H., Huh, H. J., Park, E., Chung, D. R., & Kang, M. (2021). Multiplex Molecular Point-of-Care Test for Syndromic Infectious Diseases. Biochip journal, 15(1), 14–22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13206-021-00004-5
  32. (n.d.). Health Care Sustainability Metrics: Building A Safer, Low-Carbon Health System. Health Affairs. Retrieved August 11, 2025, from https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2020.01103
  33. (n.d.). Hospitals Look to RFID, RTLS, AI to Improve Operations: Study. RFID Journal. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.rfidjournal.com/news/hospitals-look-to-rfid-rtls-ai-to-improve-operations-study/215652
  34.  (n.d.). Smart Inventory Management Strategies for the Healthcare Industry. ClearCloudOne. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://clearcloudone.com/best-practices-for-healthcare-inventory-management
  35. (n.d.). Analysis of the effect of digital hospital efforts on paper savings in inpatient procedures and on the duration of nursing care services. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2020.01103
  36. (n.d.). Sustainable Reusable Tourniquet Alternative Provides Significant Waste Reduction Opportunities for Mid Yorkshire NHS Hospitals Trust. NHS Supply Chain. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.supplychain.nhs.uk/news-article/sustainable-reusable-tourniquet-alternative-provides-significant-waste-reduction-opportunities-for-mid-yorkshire-nhs-hospitals-trust
  37. (n.d.). Circular economy for medical devices: Barriers, opportunities and best practices from a design perspective. Science Direct. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921344924003136
  38. Moshkbid, E., Cree, D. E., Bradford, L., & Zhang, W. (2024). Biodegradable Alternatives to Plastic in Medical Equipment: Current State, Challenges, and the Future. Journal of Composites Science, 8(9), 342. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8090342
  39. (n.d.). Reusable tourniquets: Their impact on patients, planet and public purse. Nursing Times. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.nursingtimes.net/leadership/reusable-tourniquets-their-impact-on-patients-planet-and-public-purse-15-07-2024/?n=%40
  40. (2021, September 28). Changing the Carbon Footprint of Clinical Laboratories. Critical Values. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.criticalvalues.org/news/all/2021/09/28/changing-the-carbon-footprint-of-clinical-laboratories
  41. (n.d.). Trends & Innovations Defining the Future of Sustainable Medical Packaging. Amcor. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.amcor.com/insights/blogs/sustainable-medical-packaging
  42. (n.d.). 3 hospital supply chain directors explain how AI is helping them manage critical inventory. Business Insider. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-hospital-inventory-management-advice-mayo-clinic-cleveland-clinic-2025-5
  43. (n.d.). First-in-human evaluation of a hand-held automated venipuncture device for rapid venous blood draws. World Scientific Connect. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/10.1142/S2339547819500067
  44. (2023, June 23). The plasma separation card as a novel solution for enhancing central laboratory capability for HIV-1 viral load monitoring in limited-access settings. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10306227/
  45. Thompson, B., Dilly-Penchala, S., Amara, A., Reynolds, H., Khoo, S., & Else, L. (2023). Application of Novel Plasma Separation Filter Cards for Quantification of Nucleoside/Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor Di/Triphosphates in Dried Blood Spots Using Lc–Ms. Bioanalysis, 15(13), 739–756. https://doi.org/10.4155/bio-2023-0057
  46.  (n.d.). A Review of Artificial Intelligence Applications in Hematology Management: Current Practices and Future Prospects. Research Gate. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361958453
  47. (n.d.). To the rescue: AI for Blood Cell Classification may save the day. Scopio. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://scopiolabs.com/ai/ai-for-blood-cell-classification-diagnostic-tool
  48. (2022, July 12). A Review of Artificial Intelligence Applications in Hematology Management: Current Practices and Future Prospects. National Library Of Medicine. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35819826/
  49. (n.d.). Evaluation of MC-80 automatic blood cell morphology analyzer in identifying the morphology of blood cells in patients with hematological diseases and normal samples. National Library Of Medicine. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12282804/
  50. (n.d.). Sysmex di 60. Sysmex. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from Sysmex XN-Series with DI-60: Automated leukocyte classification, abnormal flagging, and integration with digital smear review systems.
  51. (n.d.). Blockchain for Healthcare Data Security. Identity Management Institute. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from http://identitymanagementinstitute.org/blockchain-for-healthcare-data-security
  52. (2022, January 20). The Use of Blockchain Technology in the Health Care Sector: Systematic Review. National Library Of Medicine. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8814929
  53. (n.d.). Blockchain Technology in Healthcare Market Research Report. Market Research Future. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/blockchain-technology-healthcare-market-6475
  54. (2022, February 16). The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine: Principles and Practice. National Library Of Medicine. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7894680
  55. (n.d.). Should AI models be explainable to clinicians? BioMed Central. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://ccforum.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13054-024-05005-y 
  56. (n.d.). Building a Future-Ready University with Blockchain-Based Credentials. EveryCred. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://everycred.com/blog/blockchain-credentials-transform-higher-education-today
  57. (n.d.). Lab-on-a-Chip for Point of Care and diagnostic kit(s): The new frontiers and evolution with a focus on pre and post pandemic world. Frontiers. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/58870/lab-on-a-chip-for-point-of-care-and-diagnostic-kits-the-new-frontiers-and-evolution-with-a-focus-on-pre-and-post-pandemic-world
  58. (n.d.). Industry and occupational employment projections overview and highlights, 2022–32. Bureau Of Labor Statistics. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2023/article/industry-and-occupational-employment-projections-overview-and-highlights-2022-32
  59. (n.d.). Clinical training: A simulation program for phlebotomy. National Library Of Medicine. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2267176
  60. (n.d.). Simulated Work-Based Learning: Instructional Approaches. US Dept Of Education. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED583035.pdf
  61. (2024, October 17). US Healthcare Consumer Insights and Engagement Survey. PWC. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/healthcare-consumer-insights-survey.html
  62. (n.d.). Perspectives of Patients About Immediate Access to Test Results Through an Online Patient Portal. National Library Of Medicine. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10028486
  63. (n.d.). How Digitization of Patient Access Empowered Patients. HealthIT Buzz. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.healthit.gov/buzz-blog/digital-dividends-2/how-digitization-of-patient-access-empowered-patients
  64. (n.d.). Lab-on-a-Chip Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product & Service. Grand View Research. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/lab-on-a-chip-market-report
  65. (n.d.). What AI means for your workforce strategy: 5 takeaways from the 2025 AI Jobs Barometer. PWC. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.pwc.com/us/en/tech-effect/ai-analytics/ai-jobs-barometer.html

© All Rights Reserved
PhlebCE.com 2024

Company
Learn More
Legal
Connect with us