This course offers a thorough study of current, practical information and instruction in phlebotomy procedures and techniques, complemented by a solid foundation in phlebotomy theory and principles. Skills developed include drawing blood, obtaining blood cultures, utilizing a lancet or Microlance for micro-draws or infant heel sticks, and measuring bleeding time. Successful completion of the course requires performing thirty-five (35) invasive intravenous draws, using a vacutainer system, along with five (5) capillary sticks. For those wishing to meet the requirements set by the American Medical Technologists, additional invasive draws can be completed in HCE 189.
Prerequisites
American Heart Association BLS/CPR or currently enrolled in EMT 121 or EMT 122
- Understanding Legal, Ethical and Professional Considerations
a. Explain the principles of liability regarding the practice of phlebotomy.
b. Describe the professional, ethical, and legal duties of phlebotomy.
c. Demonstrate professional conduct.
d. Explain patient consent. - Understanding of terminology, Anatomy and Physiology
a. Apply knowledge of basic terminology, anatomy, and physiology to phlebotomy. - Safety Standards and Procedures
a. Identify and understand regulatory and standard-settings agencies.
b. Employ Universal/Standard Precautions.
c. Explain infection control and isolations techniques.
d. Recognize and manage patient problems related to syncope, nausea, vomiting and convulsions.
e. Recognize and manage patient problems related to nerve injury, accidental arterial punctures, and collecting outside of acceptable areas.
f. Employ safety procedures for environmental and physical facilities. - Professional Communication
a. Employ proper use of professional communication skills with staff, patients, and families
b. Use proper telephone technique and etiquette. - Time Management and Assignment Organization
a. Recognize and be able to follow physician orders and requisitions.
b. Describe the importance of setting priorities for specimen collections. - Obtaining Blood Samples
a. Describe proper patient identification.
b. Describe appropriate containers for specimens and the requirements of each container.
c. Explain the appropriate order of draw.
d. Describe the selection of proper venipuncture, capillary puncture and heel puncture procedures.
e. Describe and perform proper performance of venipuncture, capillary puncture and heel puncture procedure
f. Properly handle and label specimens. - Specimen Collection and Processing
a. Describe proper handling of non-blood specimens.
b. Describe the process of shipping specimens.
c. Describe how to instruct patients on the collection of non-blood specimens.
d. Explain point-of-care testing.
e. Explain quality assurance standards pertinent to phlebotomy.