Phlebotomy Weekly Brief: June 10–16, 2025
This week, the broader healthcare and laboratory landscape has seen significant developments, impacting the crucial role phlebotomists play in patient care and diagnostics. From shifts in public health policy to advancements in genetic testing and treatment modalities, these trends underscore the dynamic nature of the profession. This summary curates the most relevant updates to keep professionals informed and ahead in the evolving world of phlebotomy.
Key Phlebotomy News & Trends
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CDC HIV Experts Reinstated Amidst Workforce Upheaval
Dozens of HIV experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently had their layoff notices revoked, after initially being informed of their termination ten weeks prior. While the reinstatement is a positive step, concerns remain that the disruption may have caused permanent damage to critical HIV projects, potentially harming ongoing research and public health efforts. Such instability and disruption within a major federal health agency like the CDC can create ripple effects across the entire healthcare ecosystem. This impacts disease surveillance and public health policy, which in turn influences the types and volume of diagnostic tests performed, including those requiring phlebotomy. This situation highlights the vital importance of a stable, supported workforce for maintaining essential health initiatives and the direct impact on the diagnostic and sample collection demands placed on allied health professionals.
Published: June 13, 2025
CDC Staffing Upheaval Disrupts HIV Projects and Wastes Money, Researchers Say - KFF Health News -
HHS Campaign to Link Ultra-Processed Food with Diabetes Risk
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to launch the first wave of a new health campaign focusing on the significant links between ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of diabetes. This initiative from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) aims to raise public awareness about dietary impacts on metabolic health. Public health campaigns of this nature are crucial as they can directly influence health-seeking behaviors among the population. This often leads to a greater demand for diagnostic screenings like blood glucose and A1C tests, which are foundational to diabetes management and prevention. Phlebotomists will be on the front lines of this increased testing demand, reinforcing their essential role in preventive health and early disease detection.
Published: June 10, 2025
RFK Jr. to link ultra-processed food to diabetes in HHS ad campaign -
23andMe Transitions to Nonprofit Status After Buyout
Genetic data firm 23andMe is set to become a nonprofit organization after co-founder and long-time CEO Anne Wojcicki successfully won a last-minute bidding war to acquire most of the company’s assets for $305 million. This significant transition could reshape the landscape of direct-to-consumer genetic testing and research in the U.S. A nonprofit model may prioritize broader access to genetic information and research over commercial profitability, potentially increasing the volume and diversity of genetic sample collection. This shift has implications for phlebotomy, as it may drive demand for specialized blood collection for genetic analysis, potentially in new research or community health settings, requiring precise sample handling and adherence to ethical protocols.
Published: June 13, 2025
23andMe is won back by Anne Wojcicki and will become a nonprofit | STAT
Tools & Tips
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NHA Phlebotomy Study Guide 2025-2026: To prepare for the updated Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam, the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is releasing new study materials and practice tests. These resources are designed to align with the new CPT exam launching in January 2026, featuring interactive activities, case studies, and enhanced digital flashcards to reinforce learning. This ensures that professionals can master essential skills for today’s evolving healthcare setting and adapt to changing competencies required of phlebotomists.
Amazon.com -
CLSI’s Redesigned Website for Lab Standards: The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) officially launched its redesigned website during its June 2025 Committees Week. This new platform prioritizes user experience with improved search functionality, a customized MyCLSI dashboard, and enhanced access to vital standards and guidelines.[6] This is an essential resource for staying current with best practices in laboratory medicine and ensuring quality patient care, reflecting the continuous need for professional development and adherence to evolving demands in the field.
Standards in motion: Highlights from June 2025 Committees Week
Fun Fact
Did you know that the iconic red, white, and blue barber’s pole has a surprising connection to the history of phlebotomy? In ancient and medieval times, bloodletting was a common medical practice, and it was often performed by barbers alongside their hair-cutting services. Patients could get a haircut and have a vein cut to drain blood all in the same visit! The pole itself resembled the stick patients would hold to make their vein prominent, while the red symbolized blood, and the white represented the bandages used after the procedure. This historical link provides a stark contrast to modern phlebotomy, which is governed by rigorous scientific principles, sterile techniques, and evidence-based diagnostic purposes, highlighting how far the practice has evolved into the precise, sterile, and patient-focused profession it is today.
8 Surprising Phlebotomy Facts - PhlebotomyU Phlebotomy Training
We’d love to hear from you!
Have you participated in any Phlebotomy events or utilized new Phlebotomy tools recently? Share your experiences or insights with us—we’re featuring selected community voices in next week’s edition.