Course Number: AH 16006-A Course Title: Phlebotomy
Department of Allied Health, Phlebotomy Course
Arkansas Northeastern College
First Day Handout
Instructor: Jack Neil
Office: Burdette Campus
Office Phone: 870-762-1020 Ext 1421
E-Mail: jneil@smail.anc.edu
Office Hours:
Term:
Class meeting Days:
Class meeting Hours:
Meeting Place: 509 SIM Building Burdette
I.
Welcome to the Phlebotomy Technician Program!
As faculty, we welcome you into the Phlebotomy course; a required component of the
Patient Care Technology Program. We hope that you are as excited about learning as we
are in teaching the principles concepts and techniques associated with the profession of
Phlebotomy.
II.
Course Catalog Description
Certificate of Proficiency Program - Phlebotomy Technician
The Phlebotomy Technician course is a fifty-eight (58) hour lecture/lab and a 120-hour
externship that includes skill development in the performance of blood collection
methods using proper techniques and universal precautions. This program includes
vacuum collection devices, syringes, capillary skin puncture, butterfly needles and blood
culture specimen collection. Emphasis is on infection prevention, proper patient
identification, labeling of specimens and quality assurance, specimen handling,
processing, and accessioning. The 120-hour externship is an individualized plan for
training and experiences under the supervision of facility staff at a medical office,
clinic, laboratory or hospital chosen by college staff. There is no financial
reimbursement for students participating in clinical externship.
III.
Course Overview
The Phlebotomy Course is designed to provide an exemplary training program for
individuals requiring the skills of a phlebotomist. The course includes skill
development in the performance of blood collection methods using proper techniques
and universal precaution. Emphasis is on infection prevention, proper patient
identification, labeling of specimens and quality assurance, specimen handling, and
quality assurance processing, and accessioning. Students successfully completing the
course will be qualified to seek employment in a variety of health care settings.
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IV.
Course Rationale: The course is designed to provide fundamental elements of
phlebotomy using didactic teaching methods combined with hands-on learning. After the
student acquires the core competencies in the classroom and clinical lab, training will
continue with in a clinical setting and where students will gain further skills under direct
supervision.
V.
Course Objectives
Upon Completion of this course, the student will successfully:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Demonstrate knowledge of the roles and functions of a phlebotomist in the health
care industry and the basics of anatomy and physiology with an emphasis on the
circulatory system.
Demonstrate knowledge of safety procedures and infection control in the workplace
and documentation and transportation procedures needed for safe handling of biohazardous specimens.
Demonstrate proper techniques in utilizing the equipment and supplies available to
phlebotomists.
Demonstrate understanding of actual techniques used in phlebotomy, and the clinical
and technical complications that may occur during the procedure.
Demonstrate knowledge of pediatric phlebotomy procedures, arterial and IV
collections, and the special considerations for the elderly, homebound, and long-term
care patients.
Perform vein and capillary procedures using a variety of methods and equipment.
Receive CPR certification by the American Heart Association before beginning clinical
rotations.
VI.
Course Prerequisites
Applicants must
 Be at least 18 years of age
 Be a high school graduate or have a GED
 Make acceptable scores on the COMPASS (used as admission selection criteria)
 Complete the ANC and Phlebotomy admission application forms
 Complete the Personal Health Data and Medical History forms
 Submit a copy of required immunizations and TB skin test
 Be able to physically perform clinical skills
 Attend mandatory orientation session
VII.
Course Credits
 AH 16006 Phlebotomy 6
VIII. Required Texts and Materials
 Phlebotomy Handbook (W/CD), 8th Edition, 2010 Prentice Hall, Diana Garza
ISBN: 9780131133341
 Q & A Review for Phlebotomy (W/CD), 6th edition, 2006 Prentice Hall. Kathleen
Becan-McBride ISBN: 9780131183261.
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IX.
Supplementary (Recommended) Texts and Materials:
 Mosby’s Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, & Health Professions; 8th Edition,
Mosby
X.
Basis for Final Grade
Course Requirements/Evaluation & Assessment Methods:
Student Evaluation:
1. Measurement, Written
 Unit test will be given after each.
 Six (6) written examinations will be given over lecture material.
 The final exam score must be within 10 points of the student’s major exam grade
average.
 Set points will be awarded for completion of additional assignments.
2. Measurement, Skills Lab
 Points are awarded for the successful completion of laboratory exercises.
 Points are awarded for proper response to study questions/written assignments for
each laboratory exercise.
 Points are awarded for the laboratory practical at the end of the course. The
practical is the comprehensive final exam for the laboratory component of the
course.
3. Measurement, Clinical
 The Clinical Externship portion of the grade is determined by evaluation.
o Evaluations are completed by the faculty and preceptors on a weekly basis.
o
A student failing the Clinical Externship component of this course, but
passing the lecture and laboratory portion, will not pass the course.
 Passing the clinical component is based on successful completion of
clinical objectives, and weekly evaluation during clinical.
 Students must complete and provide documentation for a minimum of
120 hours and must achieve a minimum rating of at least “average” in
all areas on the final clinical evaluation.
 Students must perform and provide documentation of a minimum of
 100 successful veni-punctures
 20 capillary procedures.
4. Grade - Lecture/Lab
 Lecture 1/2 of final grade
1. Quizzes = 15%
2. Participation in Discussion Forum = 5%
3. Examinations = 50%
4. Final Exam = 30%
 Laboratory 1/2 of Final Grade
1. Laboratory practical exercises = 75%
2. Laboratory practical Exam = 25%
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5. Grade - Clinical
The grade for the Clinical Externship component of this course will be determined as
follows:
a) Weekly evaluations = 25%
b) Final Clinical Evaluation = 75%
*Liability insurance is not a requirement but is encouraged.
6. Determination of Final Grade
The final grade from the lecture/lab portion of the course and the final grade from the
clinical portion will be averaged to obtain the final overall course grade.
7. Grading
 A = 90-100%
 B = 80-89%
 C = 70-79%
 D = 60-69%
 F = 59% or below
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

Students must complete the required number of hours, required number of
procedures, and successfully complete all objectives required in the clinical
component.
Students must complete the classroom and clinical components to receive a
certificate of completion.
A student may be withdrawn from the program for excessive absences and/or
consistently failing to meet class assignments, disruptive conduct during lecture or
laboratory, or for displaying conduct detrimental to the ethics of phlebotomy,
and/or failure to meet minimum competency levels in the clinical component.
XI.
Grade Dissemination
You can access your assignment grades online by logging in to this myANC course and
clicking on Coursework (http://myanc.anc.edu). Midterm and final grades can be accessed
using Campus Connect on my-ANC. Please note that scores returned mid-term are unofficial
grades. If you need help accessing my-ANC contact the ANC Helpdesk by email:
ANChelp@smail.anc.edu.
XII.
Course Policies: Grades
Late wok:
Late work will be accepted on a case by case basis, but will result in a grade penalty
depending upon the length of lateness and the circumstances.
Make-up Test Policy:
Students will be allowed one make up examination excluding the final.
Extra Credit Policy:
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5 point quizzes will contain one bonus question worth one extra point towards the mid-term
exam. No more than 5 points will be added to mid-term grade and grade cannot exceed
100%.
Grades of "Incomplete":
The current College policy concerning incomplete grades will be followed in this course.
Incomplete grades are given only in situations where unexpected emergencies prevent a
student from completing the course and the remaining work can be completed the next
semester. Your instructor is the final authority on whether you qualify for an incomplete.
Incomplete work must be finished by mid-term of the subsequent semester or the “I” will
automatically be recorded as an “F” on your transcript.
Rewrite Policy:
None.
Group Work Policy:
Group collaboration is encouraged in any technical, hands on learning environment. Students
are encouraged to study and practice together.
XIII. Course Policies: Technology and Media
Email: Arkansas Northeastern College has partnered with Google to host email addresses
for ANC students. myANCmail accounts are created for each student enrolled in the
current semester and is the email address your instructor will use to communicate with you.
Access your email account by going to http://mail.google.com/a/smail.anc.edu and using your
first and last names, separated by a period for your username. Your default password is
your Student ID, no hyphens. If you cannot access your student email, contact the MITS
department at 762-1020 ext 1150 or ext 1207 or send an email to ANChelp@smail.anc.edu.
Internet: This course has a web component on myANC
Laptop Usage: Currently there is not a requirement for a laptop to be used in class. You
may use a laptop in class during lecture if doing so doesn’t disturb your peers or disrupt the
class.
Classroom Devices: Tape recorders or other audio and technology devices are allowed as
long as they are not disturbing to other students. Basic calculators will be made available,
by the instructor, to each student for any exam requiring mathematical computations.
Students will not be allowed to use personal calculators of any kind on any exam.
Computer Labs: In addition to general-purpose classrooms, a number of computer
laboratories are provided for instructional and student use. These networked laboratories
are state-of-the-art and fully equipped with computers, printers, Internet connections and
the latest software. The labs are open to students enrolled in one or more credit hours at
the College.
Technology Support: A lab assistant is generally present in the computer lab in B202 for
assistance in using the College computers. These assistants cannot help you with course
assignments; specific questions regarding the technology requirements for each course
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should be directed to the instructor of the course. Problems with myANC or College email
accounts should be addressed by email to ANCHelp@smail.anc.edu.
XIV.
Course Policies: Student Expectations
Disability Access: Arkansas Northeastern College is committed to providing reasonable
accommodations for all persons with disabilities. This First Day Handout is available in
alternate formats upon request. Students with disabilities who need accommodations in this
course must contact the instructor at the beginning of the semester to discuss needed
accommodations. No accommodations will be provided until the student has met with the
instructor to request accommodations. Students who need accommodations must be
registered with Johnny Moore in Statehouse Hall, 762-3180.
Attendance Policy:
Students in a structured course are required to attend class to participate in class
activities, receive and submit course assignments, and complete class work and tests. There
is no attendance policy for the independent study course. Students in both the structured
classroom setting and independent student course should work through the material as
assigned by the instructor. If the student has a problem at any time during the course, he
or she should contact the instructor for assistance.
Attendance Policy:
 Regular and punctual attendance is required at all lecture and laboratory
sessions.
 Class roll will be taken.
 Absences must be explained to the instructor on the day of the absence by
telephone or personal visit.
 If an absence is anticipated, the student is to make a scheduling arrangement in
advance with the instructor.
 A student will be allowed a total of two (2) absences.
 The student will be dropped from the program on the third (3th) absence.

A student who is fifteen (15) minutes late or who leaves early will be charged
with one absence.

It is the student’s responsibility to keep track of his/her attendance record
and for all assignments, materials, examinations, etc. missed.
 Important announcements are made at the beginning of class and may not be
repeated.
 Clinical: Students must notify the supervising instructor and the destination
facility within one (1) hour prior to the scheduled arrival time if they are going
to be late or absent.
 Students will be dropped from the program if more that two scheduled clinical
days are missed.
 One hundred twenty (120) hours of clinical must be completed.
Professionalism Policy: This program prepares the student to work in a professional
environment. Show respect for your environment, your co-workers, fellow students,
patients, or any other “customers” that you may encounter in the classroom or the work
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place. There is a zero tolerance of any form of verbal or physical abuse in the classroom or
work place.
Per classroom etiquette; mobile phones, iPods, etc. must be silenced during all classroom
and lab lectures. Those not heeding this rule will be asked to leave the classroom/lab
immediately so as to not disrupt the learning environment. Please arrive on time for all class
meetings.
Academic Conduct/Integrity Policy: Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated.
Students are expected to do their own work. Plagiarism, using the words of others without
express permission or proper citation, will not be tolerated. Any cheating (giving or
receiving) or other dishonest activity will, at a minimum, result in a zero on that test or
assignment and may be referred, at the discretion of the instructor, to the Department
Chair and/or Vice President of Instruction for further action. If you are uncertain as to
what constitutes academic dishonesty, please consult the Academic Integrity Policy for
further details. (http://www.anc.edu/docs/Academic_Integrity_Policy.pdf)
Learning Assistance Center: The Learning Assistance Center (LAC) is a free resource for
ANC students. The LAC provides drop-in assistance, computer tutorials and audio/visual
aids to students who need help in academic areas. Learning labs offer individualized
instruction in the areas of mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary development and
college study methods. Tutorial services are available on an individual basis for those having
difficulty with instructional materials. The LAC also maintains a shelf of free materials
addressing specific problems, such as procedures for writing essays and term papers,
punctuation reviews, and other useful materials. For more information, visit the LAC
website at http://www.anc.edu/LAC or stop by room L104 in the Adams/Vines Library
Complex.
Other Student Support Services: Many departments are ready to assist you reach your
educational goals. Be sure to check with your advisor; the Learning Assistance Center, Room
L104; Student Support Services, Room S145; and Student Success, Room L101 to find the
right type of support for you.
XV.
XVI.
Important Dates to Remember
Please see the class calendar and consult with class schedule for specific dates and times.
 Last Day to Add/Drop Classes:

Mid – Term Week:
 Withdrawal Deadline:
 Final Exam Week:
Unit and Instructional Objectives.
Topical/Unit Outline:
The content is divided into five major parts:
Part I: Overview & Safety Procedures: Provides a knowledge base of the roles and
functions of a phlebotomist in the health care industry provides information about safety
and infection control in the workplace, and the basics of anatomy and physiology with a \n
emphasis on the circulatory system.
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Part II: Phlebotomy Equipment & Procedures: Provides comprehensive coverage on the
latest equipment and supplies, the most updated information and comprehensive description
of the actual techniques used in phlebotomy, documentation and transportation procedures
needed for safe handling of biohazardous specimens, and reviews clinical and technical
complications that may occur during the procedure.
Part III: Point of Care Testing & Special Procedures: Provides information about
pediatric phlebotomy procedures, arterial and IV Collections, and special considerations for
the elderly, homebound, and long term care patients.
Clinical Lab: Phlebotomy Procedures provides the most updated information and
comprehensive description of the actual techniques used in phlebotomy and review clinical
and technical complications that may occur during the procedure.
CPR: This mini course provides students with cardio pulmonary resuscitation instruction
that includes demonstration and student skill validation provided by instructors certified by
the American Heart Association.
Part 1. Overview and Safety Procedures
Chapter 1. Phlebotomy Practice and Quality Essentials
Rational: Understanding ones professional role within the care team is necessary to insure delivery
of quality competent integrated care in a professional manner.
Didactic Objectives: Upon completion of Chapter I, the learner is responsible for the following:
1. Define Phlebotomy and identify the health professional who perform phlebotomy
procedures.
2. Identify the importance of phlebotomy procedures to the overall care of the patient.
3. List professional competencies for phlebotomists and key elements of an employer’s
performance assessment.
4. List members of a health care team who interact with phlebotomists.
5. Describe the roles of clinical laboratory personnel and common laboratory
departments/sections.
6. Describe health care settings in which phlebotomy services are routinely performed.
7. Explain components of professionalism and desired character traits for phlebotomists.
8. Describe coping skills that are used for stress in the workplace.
9. List the basic tools used in quality improvement activities and give examples of how a
phlebotomist can participate in quality improvement activities.
10. Define the difference between quality improvement and quality control.
Chapter 2. Communication, Computerization, and Documentation
Rational: Provides an understanding of how verbal, non-verbal, and cultural cues affect
understanding. Knowing how too effectively communication with a patient is necessary to establish
therapeutic rapport prior to performing assessment and procedures.
Didactic Objectives: Upon completion of Chapter 2, the learner is responsible for the following:
1. Outline the basic communication loop.
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2. Describe methods for effective verbal and nonverbal communication, active listening, and
written communication.
3. List examples of positive and negative body language.
4. Describe methods to achieve cultural competence and sensitivity in the workplace.
5. Describe the basic components of the medical record.
6. Provide examples of maintaining confidentiality and privacy related to patient information.
7. Describe essential elements of laboratory test requisitions, specimen labels, and test
results.
8. Identify potential clerical or technical errors that may occur during labeling or
documentation of phlebotomy procedures.
9. Identify essential components and functions of computers in health care.
10. Describe ways that health care workers may use computer systems to accomplish job
functions.
Clinical Lab Objective: Upon completion of Chapter 2, the learner is responsible for the following:
1. Demonstrate the ability to communicate with the deaf or blind patient. (Procedure 2-1 p.46)
Chapter 3. Professional Ethics, Legal, and Regulatory Issues
Rational: Provides an understanding of ethical & legal considerations related to clinical practice.
Didactic Objectives: Upon completion of Chapter 3, the learner is responsible for the following:
1. Define basic ethical and legal terms and explain how they differ.
2. Describe types of consent used in health care settings, including informed consent and
implied consent.
3. Describe how to avoid litigation as it relates to blood collection.
4. Define standard of care from a legal and a health care provider’s perspective.
5. Identify key elements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
6. List key factors common to health professional liability insurance policies.
7. List common issues in lawsuits against health care providers and prevention tips
to
avoid lawsuits in phlebotomy.
Chapter 4. Infection Control
Rational: Provides an understanding related to the prevention of infection transmission, and
personal protection during the patient interaction and the specimen transportation and evaluation
phase.
Didactic Objectives:: Upon completion of Chapter 4, the learner is responsible for the following:
1. Explain the infection control policies and procedures that must be followed in specimen
collection and transportation.
2. Define the terms health care-associated, health care-acquired, and nosocomial infections.
3. Identify the basic programs for infection control and isolation procedures.
4. Explain the proper techniques for hand washing, gowning, gloving, masking, double bagging,
and entering/exiting the various isolation areas.
5. Identify steps to avoid transmission of blood-borne pathogens.
6. Identify ways to reduce risks for infections and accidental needle sticks.
7. Describe measures that can break each link in the chain of infection.
8. Identify the steps to take in the case of blood-borne pathogen exposure.
Clinical Lab Objective: Upon completion of Chapter 4, the learner is responsible for the following:
1. Demonstrate proper hand-washing technique. (Procedure 4-1 p.117)
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2. Demonstrate the ability to don and remove gloves properly for specimen collection.
(Procedure 4-2 p.119)
3. Demonstrate the ability to don and remove commonly used PPE including a gown and mask.
(Procedure 4-3 p.124) (Procedure 4-4 p. 127)
4. Demonstrate how to dispose of contaminated items properly. (Procedure 4-5 p. 129)
5. Demonstrate how to transport specimens properly from a patient in isolation. (Procedure 46 p.130)
Chapter 5. Safety and First Aid
Rational: Understanding the role of the phlebotomist when emergencies situations are necessary
for the safety of the patients and the practitioner.
Didactic Objectives: Upon completion of Chapter IV, the learner is responsible for the following:
1. Discuss safety awareness for health care workers.
2. Explain the measures that should be taken for fire, electrical, radiation,
mechanical,
and chemical safety in a heath care facility.
3. Describe the essential elements of a disaster emergency plan for a health care facility.
4. Explain the safety policies and procedures that must be followed in specimen collection and
transportation.
5. Describe the safe use of equipment in health care facilities.
6. List three precautions that can reduce the risk of injury to patients.
Clinical Lab Objective: Upon completion of Chapter 5, the learner is responsible for the following:
1. Identify respiratory failure, and deliver pulmonary first aid. (Procedure 5-1 p. 152)
2. Perform pulmonary first aid to a simulated patient. (Procedure 5-1 p.152)
Chapter 6. Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology of Organ Systems
Rational: A basic understanding of medical terminology and the anatomy and physiology of the
circulatory system is necessary to perform the duties of a phlebotomist effectively.
Didactic Objectives: Upon completion of Chapter 6, the learner is responsible for the following:
1. Define medical terminology using word elements such as roots, prefixes, and suffixes.
2. Define words commonly used in the clinical laboratory.
3. Describe how laboratory testing is used to assess body functions and disease.
4. Define the differences among the terms anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
5. Describe the directional terms, anatomic surface regions, and cavities of the body.
6. Describe the role of homeostasis in normal body functioning.
7. Describe the purpose, function, and structural components of the major body systems.
8. Identify examples of pathologic conditions associated with each organ system.
9. Describe the types of specimens that are analyzed in the clinical laboratory.
10. List common diagnostic tests associated with each organ system.
Chapter 7. The Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems
Rational: A intermediate understanding of the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems is necessary
to perform the duties of a phlebotomist effectively. As these systems are where most specimens
originate.
Didactic Objectives: Upon completion of Chapter 7, the learner is responsible for the following:
1. Define the functions of the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems.
2. Identify and describe the structures and functions of the heart.
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3. List pathologic conditions and common laboratory tests associated with the cardiovascular
and lymphatic systems.
4. Trace the flow of blood through the cardiovascular system.
5. Describe the properties of arterial blood, venous blood, and capillary blood.
6. Identify and describe the cellular and noncellular components of blood.
7. Describe the differences and similarities between whole blood, serum, and plasma.
8. Identify and describe the structures and functions of different types of blood vessels.
9. Locate and name the veins most commonly used for phlebotomy procedures.
10. Define hemo-stasis and describe the basic process of coagulation and fibrinolysis.
Part II. Phlebotomy Equipment and Procedures
Chapter 8. Blood Collection Equipment
Rational: To provide an understanding of the equipment necessary to collect a variety of specimens
in an appropriate manner is necessary to ensure proper collection, transfer and processing.
Didactic Objectives: Upon completion of Chapter 8, the learner is responsible for the following:
1. Describe the latest phlebotomy safety supplies and equipment and evaluate their
effectiveness in blood collection.
2. List the various types of anticoagulants used in blood collection, their mechanisms of actions
on collected blood examples of tests performed on these tubes, and the vacuum-collectiontube color-codes for these anticoagulants and additives.
3. Identify various supplies that should be carried on a specimen collection tray when a skin
puncture specimen must be collected.
4. Identify the types of safety equipment needed to collect blood by venipuncture and skin
puncture.
Chapter 9. Pre-analytical Complications Causing Medical Errors in Blood Collection
Rational: A thorough understanding of the pre-analytical phase/process can reduce potential
errors in primary and secondary collection.
Didactic Objectives: Upon completion of Chapter 9, the learner is responsible for the following:
1. Describe pre-analytical complications related to phlebotomy procedures and impacting
patient safety.
2. Explain how to prevent and/or handle complications in blood collection.
3. List at least five factors about a patient’s physical disposition (i.e., make-up) that can
affect blood collection.
4. List examples of substances that can interfere in clinical analysis of blood constituents and
describe methods used to prevent these interferences.
5. Describe how allergies, a mastectomy, edema, and thrombosis can affect blood collection.
6. List pre-analytical complications that can arise with test requests and identification.
7. Describe complications associated with tourniquet pressure and fist pumping.
8. Identify how the pre-analytical factors of syncope, petechiaae, neurological complications,
hemo-concentration, hemo-lysis, and intravenous therapy affect blood collection.
9. Describe methods used to prevent these interferences.
Chapter 10. Veni-puncture Procedures
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Rational: Understanding the complete process from needed equipment to tourniquation, site
selection and collection is necessary to assure safe collection and processing.
Didactic Objectives: Upon completion of Chapter 10, the learner is responsible for the following:
1. Describe the steps a health care worker should take in preparing him- or herself
for a
veni-puncture procedure.
2. List supplies and equipment used in a typical veni-puncture procedure.
3. Describe detailed steps in the patient identification process and what to do if information
is missing.
4. Describe methods for hand hygiene.
5. Identify the most appropriate sites for veni-puncture and situations when these sites might
not be acceptable.
6. Identify alternate sites for the veni-puncture procedure.
7. Describe the process and time limits for applying a tourniquet to a patient’s arm.
8. Describe the decontamination process and the agents used to decontaminate skin for
routine blood tests and blood cultures.
9. Describe the steps of a veni-puncture procedure using the evacuated tube method, syringe
method, and butterfly method according to the CLSI approved standard.
Clinical Lab Objective: Upon completion of Chapter 10, the learner is responsible for the following:
1. Demonstrate proper preparation for the patient encounter including, needed equipment /
supplies, positive professional appearance / temperament, patient identifiers and special
considerations. (Procedure 10-1 p. 305)
2. Demonstrate hand hygiene and gloving technique. (Procedure 10-2 p.307)
3. Demonstrate the steps to proper patient identification. (Procedure 10-3 p317)
4. Demonstrate how to safely use a tourniquet, and properly palpate a vein. (Procedure 10-4
p.328)
5. Demonstrate proper decontamination of the selected puncture site. (Procedure 10-5 p.331)
6. Perform a Venipuncture using a vacationer and a butterfly needle. (Procedure 10-6 p.334)
7. Demonstrate how to draw blood using a syringe. (Procedure 10-7 p.343)
Chapter 11. Capillary Blood Specimens
Rational: Alternate collection methods are sometimes necessary. Many studies may be
accomplished using less invasive means such as capillary collections.
Didactic Objectives: Upon completion of Chapter 11, the learner is responsible for the following:
1. Describe the reasons for acquiring capillary blood specimens.
2. Explain why capillary blood from a skin puncture is different from blood taken by venipuncture and the impact on laboratory tests.
3. List the laboratory tests for which capillary specimens may be collected.
4. Identify the proper sites for performing a skin puncture procedure.
5. Explain why it is necessary to control the depth of the incision.
6. Describe the procedure for performing a skin puncture.
7. Describe the procedure for making blood smears.
Clinical Lab Objective: Upon completion of Chapter 11, the learner is responsible for the following:
1. Acquiring a capillary blood specimen. (Procedure 11-1 p.371)
2. Pre-pareing blood smears / film for microscopic slides. (Procedure 11-2 p.376)
Chapter 12. Specimen handling, transportation, and processing
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Rational: Accurate resulting is dependent on proper collection and handling. Understanding the
post-collection process is necessary to insure the accuracy of resulted values.
Didactic Objectives: Upon completion of Chapter 12, the learner is responsible for the following:
1. Describe at least three sources of pre-examination error that can occur during blood
specimen handling.
2. Describe at least three sources of pre-examination error that can occur during blood
specimen transportation.
3. Describe at least three sources of pre-examination error that can occur during specimen
processing or storage.
4. Name three methods commonly used to transport specimens.
Part III. Procedures and Point-of Care Testing
Rational:
Chapter 13. Pediatric and geriatric procedures
Rational: Certain patient populations have require specific special considerations that should be
considered when collecting specimens. Understanding these considerations is necessary to assure
appropriate collection.
Didactic Objectives: Upon completion of Chapter 13, the learner is responsible for the following:
1. Describe fears or concerns that children in different developmental stages might have
toward the blood collection process.
2. List suggestions that might be appropriate for parental and health care worker behavior
during a veni-puncture or skin puncture.
3. Identify puncture sites for a heel stick on an infant and describe the procedure.
4. Describe the veni-puncture sites for infants and young children.
5. Discuss the types of equipment and supplies that must be used during micro-collection and
veni-puncture of infants and children.
6. Explain the special precautions and types of equipment needed to collect capillary blood
gases.
7. Describe the procedure for specimen collection for neonatal screening.
8. Define five physical and/or emotional changes that are associated with the aging process.
9. Describe how a health care worker should react to physical and emotional changes
associated with the elderly.
Clinical Lab Objective: Upon completion of Chapter 13, the learner is responsible for the following:
1. Perform infants heal stick procedure. (Procedure 13-1 p. 417)
2. Perform capillary blood gas testing collection. (Procedure 13-2 p.422)
3. Perform capillary blood for neonatal screening collection. (Procedure 13-3 p.425)
4. Perform in clinical lab blood collection from heparin or saline lock. (Procedure 13-4 p.433)
 This procedure is performed by an R.N. in most inpatient settings. In the state of
Arkansas, collection of blood from a “hep lock” is outside the scope of practice for a
phlebotomist.
5. Perform in clinical lab blood collection from a central venous catheter. (Procedure 13-5
p.434)
 This procedure is always performed by an R.N. In the state of Arkansas, collection of
blood from a “central line” is outside the scope of practice for a phlebotomist.
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Chapter 14. Point-of-Care collections
Rational: Point of care tests are performed “at bedside” and usually provide an immediate result.
Understanding the necessity of and proper collection of “point of care tests” is necessary to
provide the care team with relevant and accurate assessment information.
Didactic Objectives: Upon completion of Chapter XIV, the learner is responsible for the following:
1. List two other terms that are synonymous with point-of-care testing.
2. Identify four analyses whose levels can be determined through point-of-care testing.
3. Define quality assurance and its requirements in point-of-care testing.
4. Describe the equipment that is used to perform the bleeding-time test.
Clinical Lab Objective: Upon completion of Chapter 14, the learner is responsible for the following:
1. Obtain a blood specimen for glucose testing. (Procedure 14-1 p.448)
2. Perform a bleeding time test “Surgicutt”. (Procedure 14-2 p. 457)
Chapter 15 Arterial, intravenous and Special Collection Procedures
Rational: Understanding the culture collection process is necessary despite the fact that collection
is often gained by Nursing Staff not Phlebotomists. Process understanding assures process logic
and valid collection.
Didactic Objectives: Upon completion of Chapter 15, the learner is responsible for the following:
1. List the steps and equipment in blood culture collections.
2. Discuss the requirements for the glucose and lactose tolerance tests.
3. Explain the special precautions and types of equipment needed to collect arterial blood
gases.
4. Differentiate cannulas from fistulas.
5. List the special requirements for collecting blood through intravenous (IV) catheters.
6. Differentiate therapeutic phlebotomy from antilogous transfusion.
7. Describe the special precautions needed to collect blood in therapeutic drug monitoring
(TDM) procedures.
8. List the types of patient specimens needed for trace metal analyses.
Clinical Lab Objective: Upon completion of Chapter 15, the learner is responsible for the following:
1. Identify and perform site preparation for blood culture collection. (Procedure 15-1 p.467)
2. Perform blood culture collection with a safety syringe. (Procedure 15-2 p.469)
3. Perform blood culture collection with a safety butterfly assembly. (Procedure 15-3 p.471)
4. Perform blood culture collection using an evacuated tube system. (Procedure 15-4 p.473)
5. Perform post collection preparations after previous methods. (Procedure 15-5 p.414)
 Radial ABG procedures will not be performed in this class. (Procedure 15-6 p.482)
 Blood collection through a CVC will not be performed in this class. (Procedure 15-7
p.489)
Chapter 16. Urinalysis, Body Fluids, and Other Specimens
Rational: Collection of non serum specimens is occasionally required. A fundamental understanding
of how these specimens are collected is necessary to assure the validity of the test.
Didactic Objectives: Upon completion of Chapter 16, the learner is responsible for the following:
1. Identify body fluid specimens, other than blood, that are analyzed in the clinical
laboratory, and identify the correct procedures for collecting and/or transporting
these specimens to the laboratory.
2. Describe the correct methodology for labeling urine specimens.
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3. Identify specimens collected for microbiological, throat, sputum, and nasopharyngeal
cultures and the protocol that must be followed when transporting these specimens.
Clinical Lab Objective: Upon completion of Chapter 16, the learner is responsible for the following:
1. Perform and or provide instructions for a clean catch midstream urine collection for women.
(Procedure 16-1 p.505)
2. Perform and or provide instructions for a clean catch midstream urine collection for women.
(Procedure 16-2 p.506)
3. Perform and or provide instructions for a 24-hour urine specimen collection. (Procedure 163 p.507)
4. Perform a sputum specimen collection. (Procedure 16-4 p.512)
5. Perform a throat swab for culture collection. (Procedure 16-5 p514)
Chapter 17. Drug Use, Forensic Toxicology, Workplace Testing, Sports Medicine, and Related
Areas
Rational: Understanding specialty collection founded in a logical process of critical thinking assures
process outcomes that are valid and useful to the care team or relevant reporting organization.
Didactic Objectives: Upon completion of Chapter XVII, the learner is responsible for the
following:
1. Define toxicology and forensic toxicology.
2. Give five examples of specimens that can be used for forensic analysis.
3. Describe the role of the health care worker when working with forensic specimens.
4. Describe the role of the health care worker, or “collector”, in federal drug-testing
programs.
5. Describe the function of a chain of custody, and of the custody and control form.
6. Give examples of situations in which drug testing might be valuable.
7. Describe how to detect adulteration of urine specimens.
8. List two examples of how blood alcohol content is measured.
9. Describe at least three factors that affect testing for alcohol content.
CPR Course:
Rational: All health care workers what practice in an in-patient setting are required to be certified
competent in CPR by an accrediting organization. This assures that these health care professionals
are competent to react to emergency medical situations.
Didactic Objectives: This course provides students with cardio pulmonary resuscitation instruction
that includes demonstration and student skill validation provided by instructors certified by the
American Heart Association.
1. Perform adult and pediatric CPR including one and two-rescuer scenarios with the use of the
bag mask.
2. Identify and respond to foreign-body airway obstruction.
3. Identify need and perform use of the automated external defibrillator.
XVII.
Essay and Project Assignments
None.
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XVIII.
Disclaimer: The First Day Handout was prepared under certain limited assumptions. The
instructor has the option, to eliminate or add assignments and/or assessments if he/she
feels it is in the best interest of the students.
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