This training course introduces you to the world of phlebotomy. A blood test can be one of the most useful tools for a doctor trying to pinpoint an illness and a phlebotomist is a doctor’s best friend in this way. You will familiarize yourself with the role of a phlebotomist, as well as the professional and personal traits a phlebotomist should hold. You will learn about maintaining high standards of practice by examining traditional duties you could find yourself taking on. The course discusses exactly what blood is and how it works. Do you know the components that make up the circulatory system? This course will teach you this and more including the main types of blood vessels, the main veins that are used to draw blood and the different blood types. Discover the different kinds of phlebotomy equipment and their different uses. You will also explore the variety of needles available to phlebotomists and how to select the correct needle for a patient.

Become proficient in the process of routine venipuncture, which includes each step of the process from applying a tourniquet to bandaging a patient's arm after completion. You will also learn about the potential complications that you may come across during venipuncture and pre-examination variables. Here you will study everything from patient complications and equipment assembly to how to examine venipuncture equipment. The needle will be focused on here, from the proper technique of inserting the needle to disposing of the needle safely. The main thing a phlebotomist should be aware of is how to draw blood correctly. This vital piece of information is covered within the course. The causes of contamination during collection and how to avoid them is also covered. You will be introduced to the procedure of dermal punctures and the many dermal puncture devices made for specific scenarios you may face.

The course also covers the fundamentals of what makes up a quality blood assessment and how to correctly document these assessments as a phlebotomist. You will also gain an understanding of the variables that are present before, during and after examination and about the quality management systems in place. The course will discuss newborn screening, blood cultures, glucose tolerance testing and bleeding time tests. You will also be introduced to phenylketonuria and the consequences of leaving this disorder untreated. You will end this course with a look at the importance of infection control, risk management and preparing patients for procedures.