The introductory portion of a phlebotomy course places emphasis on communication skills and interpersonal relationships. These skills aid potential phlebotomists with stress management, ethics and legal issues. During the introductory lessons, students learn to recognize diversity and understand patient rights.
Human anatomy and physiology focuses on the study of body and its systems. Body functions, including reproduction, digestion and endocrinology, are studied at this time. Rounding out the anatomy and physiology lessons is the study of the vascular system and phlebotomy-related vascular anatomy.
Working with blood exposes phlebotomists to infectious diseases. Infection control focuses on types of infection, the chain of infection, means of infection transmission and proper hygiene. A large component of infection control is safety, including biosafety, electrical safety, fire safety and radiation safety. First-aid procedures and personal wellness are studied with infection control.
During medical terminology classes, potential phlebotomists learn root words, prefixes, suffixes, abbreviations and symbols. Proper word pronunciation and unique plural endings are also explained at this time.
Blood collection equipment classes provide an introduction to equipment used in phlebotomy. Students become familiar with: Blood-drawing station, carts and trays, antiseptics and disinfectants, needles and sharps, disposal containers, slides and venipuncture equipment.
While studying venipuncture, phlebotomy students learn to locate veins and use collection tubes. Venipuncture procedures learned include initiating patient contact and handling special situations.
An important aspect of phlebotomy is proper post puncture care. Students learn to handle allergic reactions, bruising, clotting and inadvertent vein damage. Phlebotomists must learn to cope with patients who bleed excessively, faint or vomit when having blood drawn.
Complications and procedural errors are unfortunately associated with blood collection. Improper punctures can cause nerve or vein injury. Phlebotomy students learn to recognize these errors and take corrective action. Students also learn to properly handle and transport specimens.
As with all medical fields, phlebotomy faces legal issues. Students receive instruction on liability, malpractice insurance and the litigation process. Sadly, phlebotomists face the risk of assault, fraud and malpractice as well as infectious diseases such as AIDS. An informed student is prepared to accept and face these risks.