Phlebotomy Online Module

1. Introduction to Phlebotomy
• Phlebotomy Overview: Definition and purpose of phlebotomy in healthcare (collection of blood for diagnostic, therapeutic, or donation purposes).
• Role of a Phlebotomist: Responsibilities of healthcare workers involved in blood collection and testing.
• Legal and Ethical Aspects: Understanding consent, patient privacy, and confidentiality, including GDPR compliance. Responsibilities regarding accurate documentation and reporting.
2. Infection Control and Safety
• Standard Precautions: Personal protective equipment (PPE), hand hygiene, and safe practices for infection prevention.
• Needlestick Injury Prevention: Safe handling of needles and sharps, use of safety-engineered devices, and reporting procedures in the event of a needlestick injury.
• Bloodborne Pathogens: Knowledge of risks from HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and other infectious diseases. How to protect yourself and the patient.
• Sharps Disposal: Proper disposal of needles, syringes, and other sharp instruments in accordance with health and safety guidelines.
3. Blood Collection Techniques
• Venipuncture: Review of the techniques for venipuncture, including identifying appropriate veins, patient preparation, and correct procedure for blood collection.
• Alternative Collection Sites: Techniques for obtaining blood from other sites if the arm veins are not accessible (e.g., hand veins, or capillary blood).
• Blood Cultures: When and how to collect blood cultures, including correct labeling, patient preparation, and sample handling.
• Correct Order of Draw: Importance of the correct order when collecting blood samples to avoid cross-contamination and erroneous results (e.g., order of tubes for various tests like red, blue, green, etc.).
4. Equipment and Supplies
• Review of Equipment: Familiarization with phlebotomy equipment, including needles, syringes, vacutainers, blood collection tubes, and gloves.
• Choosing the Right Equipment: Selection of the appropriate needle size and collection tubes based on the patient and the type of test ordered.
• Labeling and Documentation: How to properly label specimens to ensure accurate tracking and results. Importance of patient identifiers (e.g., name, date of birth, ID number).
5. Patient Interaction and Communication
• Patient Preparation: Explaining the procedure to the patient, addressing their concerns, and ensuring that they are comfortable. Importance of clear communication and reassurance.
• Special Considerations: Phlebotomy on vulnerable or special patient populations, such as pediatric, elderly, obese, or those with specific medical conditions (e.g., difficult veins, clotting disorders).
• Handling Difficult or Anxious Patients: Techniques for reducing patient anxiety and ensuring cooperation during the procedure.
6. Complications and Troubleshooting
• Possible Complications: Identification and management of potential complications, such as hematomas, excessive bleeding, vein collapse, and discomfort during the procedure.
• Failed Attempts: What to do when blood collection is unsuccessful or difficult, including switching sites, adjusting technique, or consulting other team members.
• Post-Procedure Care: Proper aftercare for patients, including stopping bleeding, ensuring bandaging, and advising the patient on post-procedure care.
7. Legal, Ethical, and Documentation Issues
• Obtaining Consent: Informed consent for phlebotomy, including understanding the patient's rights and what they are consenting to.
• Patient Confidentiality: How to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of the patient’s medical and personal information during blood collection.
• Accurate Documentation: Keeping accurate records of the procedure, the type of test, patient details, and any issues or complications that occurred.
8. Handling and Transporting Specimens
• Correct Handling of Samples: Proper handling and storage of blood samples to prevent degradation or contamination.
• Transport Guidelines: Safe transportation of blood specimens to the laboratory, ensuring temperature and environmental conditions are maintained.
• Urgent Samples: How to handle emergency or urgent test samples and ensure rapid transport to the appropriate lab.
9. Review of Standards and Guidelines
• NHS and UK Guidelines: Understanding the relevant healthcare policies and procedures regarding phlebotomy, as per NHS guidelines and local hospital policies.
• Best Practice and Updated Techniques: Ensuring the use of evidence-based practices, including keeping up-to-date with new phlebotomy techniques, safety innovations, and regulatory changes.