Washington State Troopers Receive Training to Draw Blood

The Washington State Patrol started a pilot program last month that trained 21 troopers as licensed and certified phlebotomists. A phlebotomist is someone trained to conduct blood draws.

Sergeant Darren Wright said these troopers now have the ability to conduct legal blood draws on suspects that have been arrested for DUI, where a search warrant from a judge has been issued.

Wright said, "It's the same training that, when you go to a clinic or a hospital, the lab person that draws your blood goes through."

The program hopes to lessen the time a trooper is off of the road and ease the burden on healthcare systems. Troopers can now conduct a blood draw at their office or in a jail.

The troopers attended an approved 50 hour course at Bates Technical College, and passed all the requirements to obtain the Department of Health certification. All of the troopers in a program volunteered and attended training off-duty.

If successful, the program could expand to the east side of the Cascades.