Phlebotomists

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 3 (13%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 2 (8%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 19 (79%)

• Enter patient, specimen, insurance, or billing information into computer.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Document route of specimens from collection to laboratory analysis and diagnosis.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Explain fluid or tissue collection procedures to patients.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Provide sample analysis results to physicians to assist diagnosis.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Determine donor suitability, according to interview results, vital signs, and medical history.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Dispose of contaminated sharps, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and policies.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Organize or clean blood-drawing trays, ensuring that all instruments are sterile and all needles, syringes, or related items are of first-time use.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Draw blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Match laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Dispose of blood or other biohazard fluids or tissue, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, or policies.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Conduct standards tests, such as blood alcohol, blood culture, oral glucose tolerance, glucose screening, blood smears, or peak and trough drug levels tests.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Collect specimens at specific time intervals for tests, such as those assessing therapeutic drug levels.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Process blood or other fluid samples for further analysis by other medical professionals.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Draw blood from capillaries by dermal puncture, such as heel or finger stick methods.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Conduct hemoglobin tests to ensure donor iron levels are normal.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Transport specimens or fluid samples from collection sites to laboratories.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Collect fluid or tissue samples, using appropriate collection procedures.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Train other medical personnel in phlebotomy or laboratory techniques.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform saline flushes or dispense anticoagulant drugs, such as Heparin, through intravenous (IV) lines, in accordance with licensing restrictions and under the direction of a medical doctor.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Administer subcutaneous or intramuscular injects, in accordance with licensing restrictions.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Draw blood from arteries, using arterial collection techniques.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Monitor blood or plasma donors during and after procedures to ensure health, safety, and comfort.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Calibrate or maintain machines, such as those used for plasma collection.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Serve refreshments to donors to ensure absorption of sugar into their systems.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about phlebotomists and AI