The Hong Kong Phlebotomy and Intravenous Infusion Association ensures the quality of healthcare services in Hong Kong meets the ever-changing needs of society by establishing and implementing a registration system, developing guidelines, and monitoring the professional conduct of practicing phlebotomists.

The Hong Kong Phlebotomy and Intravenous Infusion Association ensures the quality of healthcare services in Hong Kong meets the ever-changing needs of society by establishing and implementing a registration system, developing guidelines, and monitoring the professional conduct of practicing phlebotomists.

Medical professionals in Hong Kong who are not subject to statutory regulation—including phlebotomists—are not entirely without a registration system. All phlebotomists who have completed designated and recognized training (see Note 1 for the definition of recognized training) are self-regulated under a voluntary registration arrangement by this professional association. Under the association-based registration system, the professional body implements registration, publishes the membership list for public reference when seeking healthcare services, and generally establishes a professional code of conduct to enhance self-regulation. Members are encouraged to pursue continuing professional development and obtain recognized qualifications to enhance their professional standards. The association also sets up quality assurance and disciplinary mechanisms to effectively maintain members' professional standards.

After thorough consultation, the HKSAR Government recognizes that a voluntary registration arrangement based on associations is important and effective. At the same time, after considering local circumstances and relevant international experience, the government believes that an association-based registration system can promote high-quality professional services and provide more information for citizens who wish to use such services. Voluntary recognized registration allows citizens, patients, and the healthcare sector to identify practitioners who have reached a certain standard and to make more informed choices when seeking healthcare services.

Therefore, the Hong Kong Phlebotomist Association was officially established on 1 September 2006 and has implemented a phlebotomist registration system, which has been well received in the healthcare sector. Starting from 1 July 2018, the Hong Kong Phlebotomist Association was renamed the Hong Kong Phlebotomy and Intravenous Infusion Association, expanding its representation and encouraging active participation in industry affairs. The association aims to further consolidate the phlebotomist registration system in Hong Kong, enhance unity among local phlebotomists, and elevate their professional status.

The Hong Kong Phlebotomy and Intravenous Infusion Association was established based on research reports and industry needs. Its phlebotomist registration system aims to provide society with phlebotomists of the highest professional standards and conduct.
The main functions of the Association are as follows:

a. Responsible for registering individuals wishing to practice phlebotomy, venipuncture, and electrocardiogram (ECG) operation;
b. Promote the professional standards and conduct of registered phlebotomists;
c. Accredit training courses in phlebotomy, venipuncture, and ECG operation for registration purposes according to the Association's regulations;
d. Set qualification and examination standards for practice, and organize such examinations.

1. Completion of a diploma course in phlebotomy, venipuncture, and ECG operation recognized by the Hong Kong Phlebotomy and Intravenous Infusion Association, with at least 150 hours of face-to-face instruction. The basic course content includes phlebotomy and venipuncture techniques, hands-on ECG operation, and basic interpretation. In addition, 250 hours of phlebotomy practice must be completed after the course; and

a. Completion of a valid Occupational First Aid Certificate recognized by the Commissioner for Labour under the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance (Cap. 509, Schedule A) Section 17(2)(b)(iii) of Hong Kong law, which must be renewed every three years; and

b. Possession of a valid Basic Life Support Certificate for Healthcare Providers issued by the American Heart Association, which must be renewed every two years.

The course director must be a healthcare professional with extensive experience in phlebotomy and venipuncture and possess a university degree in medical sciences. Other recognized healthcare qualifications are preferred.