Introduction to Phlebotomy (Knowledge Based)

Learn the phlebotomist role and desirable attributes to obtain blood samples in healthcare settings, follow SOPs, work in a team and independently, and communicate as a patient-centered multidisciplinary team member.

Explore basic phlebotomy anatomy, focusing on the three main veins commonly used for puncture, led by the median cubital vein, and vein versus artery characteristics.

Assess basic phlebotomy anatomy with a two-question forearm vein quiz, focusing on the median cubital vein and cephalic vein, and why the forearm is preferred for venipuncture.

Explore color-coded phlebotomy tubes with additives and size variations for adult and pediatric tests in a closed system, review butterfly and standard needles, tourniquet options, safety features, and sharps disposal.

Phlebotomy equipment quiz reviews proper tourniquet use, noting that only a tourniquet itself should be used and never a glove, and identifies butterfly needles as winged infusion collection needles.

Follow the order of draw to prevent contamination and incorrect results. Map tube colors (light blue, red, gold, yellow, green, dark blue, purple, lavender, pink, gray) to specific tests.

Learn the correct order of draw through a two-question quiz, with a two-minute timeframe, and understand how collecting samples in the wrong order can contaminate subsequent tubes and compromise results.

Obtain consent and verify the patient’s identity for the vein puncture, using verbal reminders of the procedure, wristbands, and patient arm offer when capable, to prevent wrong-patient errors.

Master obtaining a blood sample safely. Prepare equipment, disinfect the site, and perform venipuncture at the correct angle, then label and transport samples to the lab.

Demonstrate venipuncture on a prosthetic arm, puncturing the upper arm and the back of the hand, and illustrate needle options, techniques, and how to hold tubes during bottle exchanges.

Demonstrates venipuncture on a prosthetic arm, covering glove use, tourniquet, vein finding, needle insertion at 15–30 degrees, and proper tube filling and needle safety.

Demonstrates venipuncture on the wrist using a butterfly collection set. Guides vein finding, needle insertion at 15–30 degrees, and sample transfer to a tube with proper labeling and aftercare.

Master venipuncture technique through a prosthetic arm demonstration, including bottle exchanges, as a learning tool for the phlebotomy competencies course. Practice only on the prosthetic arm under health professional supervision.

Demonstrates venipuncture steps, assembles equipment, reads the blood request form, and obtains a sample from a volunteer.

Observe a phlebotomist from patient consent and identification through hand hygiene, venipuncture at 15–30 degrees, tube collection, labeling, and specimen submission to the lab.

Observe a venipuncture demonstration on a human arm with supervision from a health professional, and understand that this video is not a learning tool.

Participate in a two-question blood sample quiz with rationale, emphasizing finishing the procedure with the patient before labeling and positioning the tourniquet 2–3 inches above the site.

Wash the needle stick injury wound with running water and soap, then dry and cover. Report the incident to occupational health and your line manager; consider blood samples if possible.

Navigate the needle stick injuries quiz in the introduction to phlebotomy. It covers informing your manager, washing the wound, encouraging bleeding, and applying a waterproof plaster.

Follow five points of hand hygiene before touching a patient or before aseptic procedures, and after bodily fluid exposure and risk, after touching the patient, or after touching the surroundings.

Answer two questions on infection control: identify the fourth point of hand hygiene after touching a patient, and identify PPE as the term used for phlebotomy, emphasizing correct PPE use.

Explore common risks in phlebotomy, including fainting and dehydration, and learn safe needle removal, prolonged pressure, and seeking help when samples fail. Consider how anticoagulants affect bleeding, bruising, and safety.