Phlebotomist — Phlebotomy Techniques & Procedures

Refining the Skills - Description: Focus on the practical aspects of venipuncture, refining techniques, and mastering equipment use. Review the different types of needles, tubes, and collection devices. Practice using evacuated tube systems (ETS), syringes, and butterfly needles on simulated arms. Focus on the correct order of draw and its rationale. Troubleshoot common issues, such as hematoma formation, failed draws, and needle sticks. Discuss proper handling and disposal of sharps. - Resources/Activities: Practice venipuncture using simulated arms and various needle gauges. Watch video demonstrations showing proper techniques for each collection method. Review the CLSI order of draw guidelines. Participate in hands-on practice, focusing on technique and efficiency. Practice handling and disposing of sharps safely, and practice dealing with difficult draws. - Expected Outcomes: Learners will be proficient in using various collection systems, understanding the order of draw, troubleshooting common issues, and demonstrating safe handling of equipment. Learners will achieve competency in the procedural steps for venipuncture using ETS, syringes, and butterfly needles.

Expanding the Repertoire - Description: Introduce specialized blood collection procedures and pediatric phlebotomy techniques. Learn about capillary puncture, dermal punctures, and blood collection from specific sites such as infants' feet. Understand the differences in anatomy and patient management for pediatric patients. Explore alternative collection methods and patient-specific needs such as elderly patients and patients with difficult veins. - Resources/Activities: Review resources on pediatric phlebotomy, including age-appropriate techniques and safety considerations. Practice capillary puncture on simulation models and/or artificial devices. Practice performing butterfly collections on difficult veins. Research and review best practices for difficult draws. Watch videos about pediatric and other special patient populations. - Expected Outcomes: Learners will understand and be able to perform special collection procedures, including capillary puncture. Learners will be able to adapt phlebotomy techniques for pediatric patients and patients with difficult veins.

Beyond the Draw - Description: Focus on the critical aspects of specimen handling and point-of-care testing (POCT). Learn about common POCT procedures, such as glucose testing, and the importance of quality control. Review pre-analytical variables that can affect test results, including storage, transport, and processing. Discuss specimen rejection criteria and troubleshooting issues. - Resources/Activities: Study the principles of POCT devices. Practice performing glucose testing on a simulated model. Research pre-analytical variables that can affect test results. Review common specimen rejection criteria. Participate in discussions on quality control and troubleshooting. - Expected Outcomes: Learners will understand the principles of POCT, pre-analytical variables, specimen handling procedures, and specimen rejection criteria.

Advanced Procedures - Description: Learn the advanced techniques of arterial puncture, including site selection, patient preparation, and post-puncture care. Understand the risks and complications associated with arterial puncture. Focus on blood component separation, handling, and storage requirements. Review the principles of blood banking. - Resources/Activities: Review resources on arterial puncture techniques. Practice in a simulated environment or under supervision. Study blood component handling guidelines. Research and discuss the significance of arterial blood gas testing. - Expected Outcomes: Learners will understand the techniques and risks associated with arterial puncture. They will be able to differentiate between proper and improper methods of blood component storage.

Ensuring a Safe Environment - Description: Deep dive into laboratory safety protocols and compliance regulations. Cover topics such as OSHA regulations, personal protective equipment (PPE), hazard communication, and proper waste disposal procedures. Emphasize ethical considerations and professional conduct in the phlebotomy setting. - Resources/Activities: Review and familiarize yourself with OSHA guidelines and laboratory safety manuals. Practice donning and doffing PPE correctly. Participate in discussions on ethical considerations and professional behavior. Take a mock safety quiz. - Expected Outcomes: Learners will understand and adhere to laboratory safety protocols, comply with regulations, and demonstrate ethical and professional conduct.

Solidifying the Knowledge - Description: Comprehensive review of all topics covered during the week. Practice all phlebotomy techniques in a supervised setting. Participate in a final assessment to evaluate knowledge and skill proficiency. Address remaining questions and concerns. Focus on preparing for certification exams or real-world phlebotomy practice. - Resources/Activities: Review all course materials and practice resources. Perform supervised venipuncture, capillary puncture, and arterial puncture simulations. Participate in a written and practical assessment. Discuss potential certification options. - Expected Outcomes: Learners will solidify their understanding of all phlebotomy techniques and procedures, achieve proficiency in all skills, and be well-prepared for certification and real-world phlebotomy practice. They will identify areas for future skill development.