This is an practical course enabling participants to explore the concepts around taking blood from patients for diagnostic testing in a clinical setting.

This is an practical course that is suitable for wide range of HCP’s who are looking to increase their skills to include phlebotomy as part of their role, such as HCAs, Nurse Associates, Paramedics, GP Assistants and Receptionists.  As this is a practical course participants will be given the opportunity to have hands on practice.

A comprehensive competency checklist will be provided to take back into the workplace and complete whilst undertaking supervised practice. Training is compliant with the WHO Guidelines for phlebotomy practice criteria. 

Course content/learning outcomes

 By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the anatomy and physiology of veins and select common anatomical areas for locating veins
• Describe how to keep the procedure as safe and effective as possible and prevent needlestick injuries
• Explain the use of different types of techniques and equipment available, including use of straight and butterfly needles and different types of manufacturer features
• Address and identify complications that can arise when performing phlebotomy
• Know what to do next regarding gaining and demonstrating competency once back in the workplace
• Discuss the various roles and responsibilities of the practitioner who takes blood
• Access the national guidance around blood taking evidence bases