Course Outline
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- Define venipuncture and identify the equipment that is used in the performance of a routine venipuncture.
- Needles
- Needles - What's the Point?
- Needles and Patient Safety
- Blood Collection Systems and Devices
- Winged Blood Collection Device
- Syringe
- The diameter of a needle that has a gauge of 23 is __________ the diameter of a needle that has a gauge of 18.
- Blood Collection Tubes
- Miscellaneous Equipment
- Vein Selection
- Give Yourself a Chance
- Explore the Possibilities!
- Which of the veins in the antecubital area should be considered only as a final alternative due to its proximity to an artery, nerves, and tendons?
- Hand Veins
- Vein Assessment
- No - Don't Go There!
- Venipuncture Procedure
- Follow These Steps for Success
- Effects of Pre-Examination and Hidden Errors on Specimen Quality
- Think Smart, Think Safe
- Use Common Sense When it Comes to Safety
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Don't Compromise Your Safety
- Scenarios
- Scenario #1
- Julie Smith is a recently certified phlebotomist who has been working at Northwood Hospital for several months. As she approaches room 825, she checks...
- Which of the following methods could Julie have used to positively identify the patient?
- Scenario Conclusion
- Scenario #2
- Bobby Jones, a phlebotomist at Community Hospital, enters the room of Mrs. Mary Grayson with a physician's order for blood tests. After greeting Mrs. ...
- Scenario #3
- A phlebotomist was collecting a STAT prothrombin time (PT) and CBC on a patient when blood flow unexpectedly stopped. The lavender top tube being draw...
- References
Additional Information
Level of Instruction: Basic
Intended Audience: Phlebotomists, medical laboratory scientists, medical laboratory technicians, laboratory supervisors, and laboratory managers. This course is also appropriate for MLS and MLT students, pathology residents, and other professionals who perform routine venipuncture.
Author Information:
Mary Ertl Dettmann, MA, MLS(ASCP) is the education supervisor for Wheaton Franciscan Laboratory in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Health Care Administration from Central Michigan University. She has created several interactive, adult-learning courses in laboratory-related subjects, including phlebotomy.
Beth Kratzer, MLS(ASCP) is a Clinical Trainer in the Education Department at Wheaton Franciscan Laboratories in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire in 1981 and obtained a Certificate of Professional Training from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2004. In addition to many years of technical experience in the hospital environment, Beth has been involved in the creation, implementation, and facilitation of educational and training programs for healthcare associates since 2001. Currently, Beth is a primary facilitator for all programs offered by her department, including courses for beginners and experienced learners.
The authors have no conflict of interest to disclose.
Reviewer Information:
Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. He holds Medical Laboratory Scientist and Specialist in Hematology certifications through the ASCP Board of Certification. He was a professor at Thomas Jefferson University for seven years before transitioning into his current role as Education Developer at MediaLab by Vastian. His areas of expertise and professional passions include clinical hematology and interprofessional education.
Course Description: This course focuses on the routine venipuncture procedure, including the available tools, steps in the procedure, recommendations for venipuncture site selection, sites to avoid, pre-examination errors, and safety issues.
