One of the most important parts of the human body include the blood. It serves as a natural courier, a deliverer of oxygen and nutrients to all the parts. The are about five to six liters inside each person. One can have more blood than the other person, depending on size. Each also has different types, the most common being O positive and the rarest being AB negative.
This act also has numerous advantages that favor the donor. For example, it is a form of free check up. The person who has decided to donate blood should be subjected to different medical examinations to see that he is healthy. You will be able to find out whether you have diseases you do not know about once you are done with all the testing. You get medical opinion without so much as giving out a penny.
It can also reduce the risk of having deadly diseases such as cancer and heart disease. These two are closely linked with high iron concentration in the blood. If you donate, you are giving your body a chance to produce new healthy blood and keep iron levels in check. This can also help you lose weight, since a single donation burn 650 kcal.
Those who wish to donate will have to undergo phlebotomy. This is the act of drawing blood not only for donations but also for type, drug and urinalysis testing. The one who does phlebotomy is called a phlebotomy technician.
On a related field, an EKG technician performs an electrocardiogram to determine the status of your heart activity. If you have an EKG test you will be able to know if you are at risk for heart attack and the reason behind your unexplained chest pain.
Since both fields are closely intertwined, hospitals and medical clinics now employ medical workers such as an EKG and phlebotomy technician who can do both. Aside from the usual duties, other tasks that this technician does is to do office duties, check up on medical supplies and do quality control testing.
To be one, you must graduate from high school and pass the GED exam. You must be free from communicable illnesses and from any traces of drugs. Your vaccines should also be updated.
If you fill in the above criteria, you must join in a training program. This training will help aspiring technicians to have their certificate. Most training sessions last up until four months, after which you will be compelled to take the National Certification Exam. You will become an authorized technician once you pass this test.
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