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This inquiry looking at what is considered to be good phlebotomy uses a qualitative methodological design and undertakes a systematic analysis of seven individual interviews with Biomedical Laboratory Scientists working in mobile units, taking blood samples from clients in their own homes and in local care facilities in Danish municipalities. The inquiry reveals that structural circumstances and relational issues, professionalism and ethical values amongst health professionals underpins good phlebotomy. Phlebotomy is thus a social praxis, where ethical values such as care, respect for autonomy and human dignity are at play. The study reveals that it does not make sense to abstract the technical aspect from the social, cultural and material context of the technical phlebotomy itself, when judging what is “good” phlebotomy. The main challenge for health professionals lies in how to form a good professional relationship with the client and not in how to handle the instruments properly and secure a high-quality specimen. Forming a good relationship with the client is a precondition for the ‘good’ phlebotomy. The technology only starts ”drawing attention to itself” and begins interfering on the relational level, if it does not work properly or if communication with the client has failed. A high degree of professionalism and ethical judgment are important when judging when and to what extent the wishes and preferences of the client can be involved in particular health care decisions. Professionalism and personal integrity are important in forming trustful relationships with the client. The ”good phlebotomy can be promoted by integrating a broader (socio-ethical) understanding of technology in the student curriculum, thus cultivating a more practical-oriented professional identity.

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