Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) provides a wide range of services to military patients and their beneficiaries. One stand-out service that NMCSD provides is phlebotomy, or as most patients refer to it, lab services.

NMCSDs phlebotomy department sees an estimated 34,000 patients yearly for blood draws, although most of the patients have more than one test requiring more vials of blood. The lab doesn’t only provide blood work and blood draws, it also offers hematology, phlebotomy, chemistry, urinalysis and microbiology tests.

"In the phlebotomy department we draw a variety of blood samples ordered through their primary care provider and some outside providers, and provide instructions and procedures on urine specimen collections,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Sergio Palacios. “Our patients get a different experience in our department since we are a walk-in clinic, so the patient gets seen right away without having to make an appointment.”

Providing care on a walk-in basis helps alleviate additional procedures during the doctor's appointment, allowing the provider to focus more on the patient rather than worry about blood collection. It keeps an even care flow for both the patient and the provider.

“Every time I have to come into the phlebotomy department, I am greeted with smiling faces,” said Brittany Pinske, a patient. “The staff is always quick and efficient. I am not the biggest fan of bloodwork and needles, but they make it a comfortable experience every time.”

The phlebotomy department sees an average of 125 to 150 patients daily. Each patient receives different tests and panels, but receives the same care.

The phlebotomy department adds to NMCSDs mission: to prepare to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver quality health care services, and shape the future of military medicine through education, training and research. The vision of the hospital is to be the nation’s premier military medical center, providing world-class care, anytime, anywhere.

For more information about NMCSD visit https://www.navy.mil/local/sd/

Get more information about the Navy from US Navy Facebook or Twitter.

For more news from Naval Medical Center San Diego, visit www.navy.mil/.