DUI Police Office Phlebotomy

Every state has its own procedures that must be followed in order for a blood sample to come into evidence. Only specially trained and certified individuals are permitted to draw blood in DUI cases. Medical staff such as doctors, nurses, and EMTs are qualified. A “phlebotomist” refers to a nurse or medical technician who is trained to draw blood for testing or donation purposes.

As blood testing in DUI cases becomes more prevalent, police officers are getting trained in blood draws. In Arizona, for example, police officers who have gone through a 40 hour phelbotomy training course are now permitted to draw your blood. No requirements exist mandating that the police obtain the sample in a medical facility. The blood may be taken on the scene. Often times DUI suspects are taken to a police van on the side of the road where the officer will conduct the blood test.

If you have been arrested for DUI and a sample of your blood was taken for puposes of chemical BAC testing, contact an experienced attorney in your state. Be sure to relay the circumstances under which your blood test occured. If an unqualified person drew your blood, your attorney may be able to successfully argue to have your test results supressed.