What is the NPA?

scranton, pa

The National Phlebotomy Association has started a new PR campaign, “To let the public know that a, we exist; b, we’re real; and c, we’re here to help inform people who want to pursue a career as a phlebotomist.”

Asked for his reaction to the news release, local mill worker Wilt Jenkins said, “First off, I thought phlebotomy was a made up word. Then after thinking about it for a minute I figured it has to do with mucus, you know phlegm. If not those things, then possibly dead animals.”

Allison Roberts, spokeswoman for the NPA, said, “That’s a perfect example of why we’re needed. The average person has no idea that a phlebotomist is a person who draws blood. Or that there are good careers as a certified phlebotomist.”

When asked if the NPA certifies Phlebotomists Roberts replied, “Umm, no. That’s actually done by any of three other medical organizations that aren’t specifically related to phlebotomy.” Questioned if they’d ever considered updating their name she said, “The word phlebotomy originated in the days of bloodletting as a medical practice — and while that’s obviously no longer a viable treatment, we want to preserve that important historical tradition. Also, it rolls off the tongue. I mean come on — phlebotomist — it just sounds sexy, right?”