As a phlebotomist, you can work for a hospital or lab, or in a government job at a community public health clinic or federal health care facility. In this job, you collect blood samples for testing, research, and transfusions. Your duties and responsibilities include explaining procedures to alleviate patient fears, providing post-venipuncture care, processing specimens using proper protocols, and packaging and shipping specimens to an external lab if required. You also identify information on the specimens you collect, complete lab reports and other documentation according to facility procedures, maintain lab equipment, and implement Universal Precautions to ensure your safety and that of your coworkers and patients.