Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This course is designed to provide opportunity to practice phlebotomy in a learning environment. Interaction with patients and other laboratory staff is simulated.  Basic phlebotomy techniques are introduced. The need for obtaining high quality specimens and adhering to laboratory safety regulations is emphasized. Importance of good communication and interpersonal skills, in addition to good technical skills, is strongly stressed.

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

• Perform blood collection by venipuncture and skin puncture to obtain high quality specimens for clinical laboratory analysis.
• Collect and process blood specimens in a safe manner and according to laboratory protocol.
• Use effective written and oral communication when interacting with patients and other healthcare workers to improve patient care.

The class is presented through lecture/discussions, audio-visual presentations, handouts, demonstrations, web based instructional media and other educationally sound practices. Comprehensive lab work requires demonstration of competency to receive a satisfactory grade.  Laboratory exercises provide an opportunity for students to practice phlebotomy techniques, including venipuncture and skin puncture, and specimen processing.  The student is expected to perform all laboratory procedures according to the criteria established by the department.

Assessment methods may include written and practical examinations, homework assignments and discussion activities. Student knowledge application, laboratory performance, problem solving skills, punctuality and attendance, participation, and communication skills are assessed in each laboratory exercise utilizing an evaluation rubric that includes cognitive, psychomotor and affective learning domains. 

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Course Themes:

• Venipuncture
  • Anatomy of the arm
  • Equipment and components of collection systems
  • Basic phlebotomy procedure
  • Special handling procedures
• Skin Puncture
  • Equipment and components of collection systems
  • Basic skin puncture procedure
• Specimen processing
  • Identification, aliquoting and labeling specimens according to laboratory protocol
• Safety
  • Location and discussion of proper use of clinical laboratory safety equipment, devices and personal protective gear
  • Review of bloodborne pathogens and universal precautions
• Professionalism
  • Communication protocol
  • Interrelation phlebotomist-patient
  • Attitudes and traits expected of clinical laboratory professionals
  • Patient confidentiality

Skills:

Knowledge and Application (Cognitive Skills):

• Cognitive processes
  • Explain phlebotomy theory supporting blood collection techniques
  • Integrate knowledge and make informed judgments about phlebotomy practice  in the clinical setting
  • Formulate a clear, answerable question
  • Predict expected results
  • Follow written protocols and verbal instructions
• Analysis skills
  • Collect and organize data in a systematic fashion
  • Present data in an appropriate form
  • Assess the validity of the data (including integrity and significance)
• Troubleshooting and problem solving
  • Recognize errors or discrepancies during lab procedures
  • Select corrective actions for problem solving
• Safety skills
  • Recognize safety equipment and laboratory safety measures
• Communication skills
  • Introduce her/himself to the patient
  • Give pertinent information to the patient about the procedure
  • Discuss collection method or occurrences with other laboratory staff
• Interpersonal and citizenry skills
  • Work effectively in teams or groups so that the task, results, and analysis may be shared
  • Effectively manage time and tasks allowing concurrent and/or overlapping tasks to be done simultaneously, by individuals and/or within a group

Performance (Psychomotor Skills):

• Utilize safety measures and equipment
  • Utilize adequate personal protective equipment, sharp container, fume hood and other safety devices
• Perform venipuncture
  • Select adequate materials and equipment
  • Select site for peripheral blood collection using tourniquet and palpation
  • Disinfect collection site
  • Perform venipuncture using vacutainer system
  • Perform venipuncture using a syringe
  • Label specimens according to laboratory protocol
• Perform skin puncture
  • Select adequate materials and equipment
  • Select site for capillary blood collection
  • Disinfect collection site
  • Perform skin puncture using lancet
  • Label specimens according to laboratory protocol
• Process specimens
  • Mix whole blood sample
  • Centrifuge samples
  • Separate and aliquot specimens
  • Store samples at proper temperature

Professional (Affective) Skills:

• Demonstrate interest, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn as seen through active participation.
• Show initiative and motivation as demonstrated by independence in performing routine procedures, preparation before class, decreased need for supervision, willingness to go beyond the required assignments, and recognition of opportunities to improve quality and productivity of work.
• Adapt to stressful and/or new situations by maintaining composure and flexibility without compromising individual integrity.
• Exhibit teamwork through cooperation, courtesy, respect, and sensitivity towards others.
• Convey a professional attitude as shown by an appropriate level of confidence and a positive outlook toward work and other people.
• Demonstrate integrity as shown by the admission and documentation of errors, recognition of the potential danger of short cuts, and the maintenance of patient and co-worker confidentiality.
• Act responsibly and reliably as measured by punctuality, attendance, dependability, and quality of work.
• Respond favorably to supervision and feedback.
• Persevere until task is completed satisfactorily.
• Present an acceptable level of cleanliness as seen by one’s personal hygiene, professional appearance and maintenance of the workspace.