Perform Venipuncture

Clinical and Testing Procedures

Materials Included

Text
Video
Anatomy
Simulation
Quiz

This module covers how to prepare for and perform safe and correct methods for blood collection, using a variety of venipuncture (phlebotomy) techniques.

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As a nurse or medical assistant in a doctor's office, or a phlebotomist, you may be asked to collect blood samples for testing. This module teaches you how to prepare for and perform safe and correct methods for blood collection, using a variety of venipuncture (venepuncture) techniques. Including both Learn and Test modes, the online simulator offers three scenarios that test your ability to prepare for and perform venipuncture, using syringe, butterfly needle, and evacuated tube methods. Practice the steps of the procedures online as often as you want, until you feel confident. This module is based on the entry-level competencies for which the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) test the Medical Assistant.

You’ll learn

relevant medical terminology
pre-procedure and post-procedure considerations
to visualize the anatomy of the main veins of the upper arms, used as blood collection sites
how to prepare for venipuncture blood collection and identify the correct collection site
how to demonstrate laboratory safety
how to perform the proper order of draws in venipuncture blood collection and the correct use of different collection tubes
to practice and perfect your skills in performing venipuncture using syringe, butterfly needle, and evacuated tube methods
correct recording and reporting procedures
much more (see Content Details for more specific information)

Introduction

Step 1 - Preparation

Step 1.1 - Equipment preparation

Step 1.1.1 - Syringe collection technique

Step 1.1.2 - Vacuum collection technique

Step 1.1.3 - Winged (butterfly) collection technique

Step 1.2 - Medical assistant preparation

Step 1.3 - Patient preparation

Step 1.3.1 - Position the patient

Step 2 - Identify the appropriate collection site

Step 2.1 - Expose the intended puncture site

Step 2.2 - Apply the tourniquet

Step 2.3 - Palpate the vein

Step 3 - Clean the site

Step 4 - Obtain the blood sample

Step 4.1 - Syringe and butterfly collection technique

Step 4.2 - Evacuated tube collection technique

Step 5 - Prepare the blood sample

Step 5.1 - Prepare blood-collection tubes

Step 6 - Apply the dressing

Step 7 - Complete the procedure

Describe pre-procedure considerations.
Describe and demonstrate the preparation for venipuncture.
Describe and demonstrate laboratory safety according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines
Describe and demonstrate correct identification of the venipuncture site.
Describe and demonstrate three different methods of blood collection.
Identify and demonstrate the use of different collection tubes.
List and describe the proper order of draws in venipuncture blood collection.
Describe and demonstrate the correct post-procedure considerations.
Define and demonstrate correct recording and reporting procedures.
Define and use related medical terminology.
Explain the Patient Privacy Rule (HIPAA), Patient Safety Act, and Patients' Bill of Rights.

The SIMTICS modules are all easy to use and web-based. This means they are available at any time as long as the learner has an internet connection. No special hardware or other equipment is required, other than a computer mouse for use in the simulations. Each of the SIMTICS modules covers one specific procedure or topic in detail. Each module contains:

an online simulation (available in Learn and Test modes)
descriptive text, which explains exactly how to perform that particular procedure including key terms and hyperlinks to references
2D images and a 3D model of applied anatomy for that particular topic
a step by step video demonstration by an expert
a quiz
a personal logbook that keeps track of all the modules the learner has studied and how long