Trained professionals in the healthcare field are in constant demand and with the increase in today’s aging population this need continues to grow. More and more people seeking careers in healthcare are choosing phlebotomy as their path into the medical profession due to the relatively short time it takes to be fully trained and certified. Phlebotomy, also known as venipuncture is the drawing of blood as prescribed by a physician for medical diagnosis, for blood transfusions, blood donations or in some cases to prepare patients for intravenous therapy (IV).  These procedures are typically performed in hospitals, physicians’ offices, community healthcare centers, laboratories and more.

Regulations governing the certification of phlebotomists vary from state to state with some states not requiring certification at all. However, for those wishing to practice phlebotomy (or venipuncture), it is highly recommended that one attain their certification as most healthcare facilities will not consider hiring anyone without it. For this reason it is important to make certain that any phlebotomy course one registers in is both professionally accredited and that it adequately prepares you for your certification exam. When browsing through the list of phlebotomy or venipuncture courses, it is a good idea to receive as much information from the school as possible. Once you have done this you should also check with one of the recognized certification bodies to ensure the courses you are considering will prepare you for the certification exam. There are several certifying bodies that can help you with this information such as:

  • The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
    www.ascp.org/
  • The Association of Phlebotomy Technicians (APT)
  • The National Phlebotomy Association (NPA)
  • American Certification Agency at (ACA)
  • American Medical Technologists at (AMT)
  • National Center for Competency Testing at (NCCT)
  • American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification at (ASCP)

Another way of verify the validity of the school or phlebotomy course is by calling local healthcare facilities and simply asking them if they recognize the specific course or school you are considering. In most cases they will be only too happy to let you know which programs they are most likely to hire employees from.

Since phlebotomy involves both theoretical studies as well as hands-on training, it is imperative that any phlebotomy course you choose offers classroom training as well as practicum modules in a healthcare facility or laboratory. Subjects in classroom study should include such topics as:

  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • The circulatory system
  • The lymphatic system
  • The muscular and skeletal systems
  • The urinary system
  • The respiratory system
  • Blood and cell composition
  • Proper laboratory protocol
  • Blood draw requisitions
  • CPR

Not everyone who wishes to become a phlebotomist is able to attend regular, full time classes, in which case one can enroll in an online phlebotomy course. When taking this route however, it is important to make certain that the program does offer a hands-on training period in a clinic, hospital, laboratory or other healthcare facility. Part of the certification process does require a set number of practical training hours along with a specific number of blood draws. It is also important to note that the laboratory or facility you intern in is regulated in accordance with the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment of 1988. The following site provides specific information on certification and laboratory requirements. http://www.ascp.org/functionalnavigation/certification/getcertified/techniciancertification.aspx#pbt

In addition to the core topics covered in a phlebotomy course, it is a good idea to look for a program that also includes study in the following areas:

  • Legal issues surrounding blood draws and venipuncture
  • Quality control mechanisms
  • Computer training
  • Professional behavior

Classroom training will provide students with the necessary steps required in each venipuncture procedure including how to read and follow blood draw requisitions, how to label samples as well as the equipment used in blood draw collections. Students must also learn the specific order in which draws need to be performed in order to avoid cross-contamination.  Patient relations, identification and the Patient’s Bill of Rights are also essential components that every phlebotomist must be trained in. To learn more about the Patient’s Bill of Rights, you can go to the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization’s (JCAHO) website at http://www.jointcommission.org/

The practical training portion of most accredited phlebotomy courses will cover such areas as:

  • BLOOD DRAW SITE SELCTION – this will teach students the most common draw sites being the median cubital and cephalic veins and acceptable alternate sites such as the basilica vein on the dorsum of the arm or the dorsal hand veins. You will also be taught areas that have a higher risk of complications such as foot veins and certain areas that must be avoided in a site selection.
  • VEIN SELCTION PROCEDURES – this involves learning to select a site using your index finger and the difference in feel between arteries and thrombosed veins. Students will also learn what to do when superficial veins are not apparent.
  • VENIPUNCTURE PERFORMANCE PRIOR TO, DURING AND AFTER BLOOD DRAW – there are definite and specific procedures that must be followed for each draw including how to approach a patient and proper identification prior to any draw. Appropriate positioning of each patient and preparation of the draw site will also be learned. The specific order of multiple draws and what to do with samples once draw is completed are also essential steps in all venipuncture procedures.

Depending on the patient’s requisition, a finger stick procedure may be indicated, in which case the following procedure will be required:

  • Selecting the appropriate equipment
  • Proper finger location
  • Lancet puncture
  • How to collect the blood sample
  • Specimen container

In all venipuncture procedures, certain steps must be taken in order to prevent hematoma including which part of the vein to be used, removing the tourniquet prior to needle removal and more. The hands on portion of any accredited phlebotomy course must also include the following topics:

  • Hemolysis prevention
  • Indwelling catheters and lines
  • Hemoconcentration
  • Prolonged tourniquet application
  • Special factors to consider in patient preparation
  • Protecting yourself and patients using safety and infection control
  • Troubleshooting for difficult draws

As one can see, phlebotomy or venipuncture involves much more than simply learning how to puncture a vein and draw blood. The right phlebotomy course however, will give you the practical skills necessary and the confidence to deal with any situation in regards to working in a medical facility that requires a phlebotomist. The key to choosing the right phlebotomy course is to first obtain as much information as you can from the schools you are considering and then ensure the program offers a hands-on module and that your courses adequately prepare you for your certification exam. Whether your goal is to explore other areas of the healthcare field or continue as a phlebotomist, the right program will certainly set you on a path to an exciting and financially rewarding career.

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