Online Class: Phlebotomy Made Easy

     This course is designed for the person who is interested in learning more about phlebotomy.  If you are an experienced nurse or other healthcare professional looking to add to your resume, or a beginner, just considering a career in the healthcare field then, this course is for you.  Many specialties in the healthcare setting use and need the skills of phlebotomy   Medical Technicians and Technologist, Nurses, Emergency Medical Technicians, Nursing Assistants, Medical Laboratory Assistants and Paramedics are just a few professions whose job encompasses drawing blood.  The most current information available is provided to introduce the beginner to the world of phlebotomy and at the same time answer some of the questions that the seasoned professional may have.  So whether you'd like to polish a current skill or learn a new one, this course is for you.

   Note:  For those students wishing to become a Certified Phlebotomy Technician, this course is an excellent study tool and additional informational resource.  Completion of this course is informational and will not provide certification. 

The goal of this course is to advance the knowledge of the student through the information offered in the 10 lessons. The topics are: 1.) Introduction to phlebotomy This lesson introduces the student to the actual definition of phlebotomy. You will learn what a phlebotomist does and the qualities needed to be a good phlebotomist. Learn the importance of customer service skills and medical terminology commonly used in the field. 2.) Adult venipuncture Learn the procedures required to perform an adult venipuncture. Learn the importance of properly identifying a patient, how to verifying test requirements, how to choose a good venipuncture site, tricks of the trade in locating hard to find veins, sites to avoid when performing a venipuncture, order of draw and much more. 3.) Venipuncture and children Learn the importance of good communication, proper holding and venipuncture techniques, the criteria for blood sample rejection and how to avoid it,what hemoconctration is and much more. 4.) Skin punctures on babies Learn the age under which a venipuncture should be avoided, where to perform a heel stick and the danger of choosing the wrong spot, composition of skin puncture blood, things that can go wrong with a specimen and how to avoid it and much more. 5.) The finger stick This lesson discusses the advantages and disadvantages of a finger skin puncture, why hemolysis is more likely, who are good candidates for a finger stick, how to collect an optimal sample, order of draw for micro collection and much more. 6.) Arterial blood gasses This lesson discusses who should perform an arterial puncture, compositon of arterial blood, hazards in collection, arteries available to draw from, the Allen test, procedures and much more. 7.) Special tests on babies You will learn about capillary blood gasses, bilirubin, newborn screening and much more. 8.) Special tests on adults and children This lesson discusses blood cultures, the two-hour postprandial, the glucose tolerance test and point of care testing. 9.) Types of isolation You will learn about infection control, types of isolation, standard precautions, transmission based precautions, protective or reverse isolation, proper hand washing procedures and blood collection procedures in isolation rooms. 10.) Legal issues, safety precautions and OSHA. This lesson discusses possible patient reactions, procedure for accidental needle sticks or exposure, OSHA standards, Material Data Safety Sheets, hazard identification, chemical and radiation exposure, waste disposal, safety guidelines and much more.