Forensic phlebotomy is the practice of drawing blood specifically to collect evidence for legal investigations and criminal court cases.
It’s also a viable career for anyone who has trained as a phlebotomist.
You may be picturing CSI or another fast-paced crime show. The day-to-day of a forensic phlebotomist isn’t always that dramatic, but it is fascinating and fulfilling work.
If you’re thinking of becoming a phlebotomist, in school, or are currently practicing blood draws as part of your work, forensic phlebotomy is a rewarding path worth considering.
Forensic phlebotomists handle high-stakes collections.
Forensic phlebotomists draw blood to determine if someone has alcohol or drugs in their system during a crime or traffic incident.
In most cases, blood draws are performed on those suspected of driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence of drugs (DWI/DUID). Blood is also drawn in other criminal contexts, such as violent crimes or serious traffic accidents.
Most people think of breathalyzers when they hear “blood-alcohol content.”
Blood tests are a more reliable way to determine BAC. They’re more precise and can show a specific timeline of what was in a person’s system and when. Blood tests can also detect other intoxicants.
The job follows strict protocols.
Here’s how it usually works with a suspected DWI. Police bring the suspect to a hospital, a clinic, or in some cases a police station. Then blood is drawn to measure blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and detect controlled substances.
Sometimes the suspect is there voluntarily. Other times they are under arrest and brought in for the draw in handcuffs, which may be briefly removed or moved so they don’t get in the way. An officer stays present the whole time to maintain the chain of custody.
Forensic phlebotomists use specialized blood kits.
These evidence collection kits provided by law enforcement are a little different from what most phlebotomists use. They have preservatives and anticoagulants needed for toxicology testing.
Chain of custody is critical.
The phlebotomist must follow chain-of-custody procedures. Every single step, from opening the blood kit to sealing the vials and handing them to the arresting officer, is documented to make sure nothing’s been tampered with.
If the chain of custody gets broken, the results can be ruled inadmissible in court.
If the chain of custody gets broken, the results can be ruled inadmissible in court.
Forensic phlebotomists testify in court.
If a blood draw ends up being key evidence in a criminal case, forensic phlebotomists may be subpoenaed to testify in court. A subpoena doesn’t automatically mean you’ll testify; it just means you need to be available.
If you do testify, you’ll take the stand and undergo questioning and cross-examination about the blood draw process and how the sample was handled.
Who performs forensic blood draws?
How forensic blood draws are handled depends on the area. In Texas, the law limits who may draw blood for these cases to a physician, a qualified technician, a registered nurse, or a licensed vocational nurse. Within those rules, forensic phlebotomists tend to work in one of three settings.
1. Some forensic phlebotomists work directly for law enforcement.
Some local law enforcement agencies or crime labs hire civilian forensic phlebotomists to handle evidence collection full-time.
2. Hospital and clinic phlebotomists draw blood at police request.
Sometimes, officers bring suspects to a hospital or urgent care, where a medical phlebotomist performs the draw according to law enforcement protocols.
3. Some police officers train as phlebotomists themselves.
Some officers become police first and train as phlebotomists afterward. Some departments send their own officers through certified phlebotomy training, and those officers can then perform draws at the station or in a mobile unit.
Forensic phlebotomy matters.
If you thrive under pressure, this could be the path for you. Timing and accuracy are everything in forensic science, since substance levels in the blood can change quickly.
Having trained professionals available to draw blood quickly and legally is a must. Forensic phlebotomists help ensure everyone can get a fair trial.
You can become a forensic phlebotomist.
Unless you’re already a police officer, becoming a forensic phlebotomist begins with a solid foundation in standard phlebotomy. Typically, that means a certified phlebotomy training program like the one at NTX Training Institute. Forensic work is one specialty open to trained phlebotomists; mobile phlebotomy is another.
Then you complete specialized training.
After passing the national Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam to become a certified phlebotomist, you complete specialized forensic training.
In Texas, there’s no legal requirement for phlebotomists to complete further training, but many law enforcement agencies consider it a must. (Other states do have specific requirements.)
Forensic phlebotomy training includes subjects like:
- Chain of custody
- Evidentiary draw procedures
- Courtroom protocols
Start your career as a forensic phlebotomist at NTX Training Institute.
Our phlebotomy training program equips you with the clinical techniques, protocols, and practical experience you need to launch your career as a forensic phlebotomist.
Contact NTX Training Institute today to get started.
