Venipuncture training teaches safe blood extraction from humans and animals, including safety procedures, patient assessment, equipment selection, and patient handling skills. Proper handling of blood and its derivatives is also covered. Veterinary medicine requires special training due to the challenges of collecting blood from animals.
Venipuncture training teaches the theory and practice of safely extracting blood from a human or animal. This training includes a good deal of background information on topics such as safety procedures to ensure that blood is drawn with minimal risk to both the patient and the technician, known as a phlebotomist, who performs the procedure. This training also includes a hands-on element, during which a student learns and practices the specific techniques used to perform different types of blood draws from a variety of patients. Special venipuncture techniques and training are required for veterinary medicine as there are special challenges involved in collecting blood from animals.
A venipuncture training course usually begins by teaching you the proper safety precautions and proper preparation techniques for the procedure. A technician needs to know what forms and permits are needed so they can be checked before blood is drawn. Training also focuses on the skills needed to assess the patient’s condition. A phlebotomist needs to exercise caution when working with patients who are suffering physically or psychologically.
The next set of skills commonly taught in venipuncture training involves selecting the appropriate venipuncture tools and sites for the procedure. This type of procedure is most often performed with a needle, but in some cases a lancet is used, especially when only a small amount of blood is needed or when working with young people. Proper safety procedures are also emphasized in this phase of venipuncture training. This is important both to minimize risks to people undergoing venipuncture and to ensure that the phlebotomist is not exposed to any bloodborne pathogens.
The actual drawing of blood is fundamental to venipuncture training, and phlebotomists learn proper techniques for locating and tapping veins. The order in which blood is drawn for different types of equipment and collection procedures is important, and this is explained during training. Proper use of equipment to prevent excessive blood loss is covered, as is proper practice for treating the blood collection site after the procedure is complete.
Patient handling skills are also important for phlebotomists. Many patients have adverse reactions to blood collection, and venipuncture training often includes discussions on how to anticipate these adverse reactions. Good patient assessment and communication skills are particularly important in this part of venipuncture training, as some patients may be reticent to admit their concerns about blood collection.
Proper handling of blood and its derivatives is also part of venipuncture training. Phlebotomists must learn to keep specimens sterile and properly labeled. Blood collected for use in transfusions or other procedures must be properly stored and labeled. Knowledge of proper administrative procedures is crucial at this time.
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