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Introduction to Phlebotomy and Blood Collection: Patient Identification, Preparation, and Communication
This introductory course provides healthcare personnel with the foundational knowledge needed to safely assist with or perform routine blood collection within their authorized scope of practice and facility policies. The course is intended for nurses, CNAs, nursing assistants, technicians, and other healthcare staff who may collect blood.
Participants will review basic phlebotomy terminology, common blood collection methods, equipment and supplies, infection prevention, patient identification, patient preparation, communication techniques, and the steps involved in routine venipuncture and capillary collection. Emphasis is placed on preventing identification and specimen errors, maintaining patient comfort and dignity, recognizing potential complications, and understanding when collection should be stopped or assistance obtained.
The course also addresses communication with anxious or difficult-to-draw patients, documentation, specimen labeling, and the healthcare worker’s responsibility for following organizational procedures and applicable scope-of-practice requirements.
Course Objectives
- Explain the purpose of phlebotomy and routine blood collection in healthcare settings.
- Identify common equipment and supplies used for venipuncture and capillary blood collection.
- Describe infection prevention, standard precautions, and sharps safety practices related to blood collection.
- Explain the importance of following applicable state law, professional scope of practice, employer policy, and competency requirements before performing blood collection.
- Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate patient identification and specimen verification procedures.
- Describe appropriate methods for preparing and positioning patients for blood collection.
- Apply effective communication techniques to explain the procedure, reduce anxiety, and promote patient cooperation.
- Identify common blood collection sites and factors that may make a site inappropriate for collection.
- Describe the basic procedural steps involved in routine venipuncture and capillary blood collection.
- Explain proper specimen labeling, handling, and transport procedures.
- Recognize common complications and problems associated with blood collection and describe appropriate responses.
- Identify circumstances in which a blood collection attempt should be discontinued and additional assistance obtained.
- Describe appropriate documentation and reporting responsibilities following blood collection.
Course Author
Information
- Relevance: This course is designed for RNs, CNAs, nursing assistants, patient care technicians, and other healthcare personnel who may assist with or perform blood collection as part of their job duties. It provides practical foundational knowledge in patient identification, preparation, communication, infection prevention, specimen collection, and safety while reinforcing the importance of working within state law, professional scope of practice, facility policy, and demonstrated competency.
- Content Level: Intermediate
- Course Format: This course is offered as a self-paced distance learning format (reading-based online activity)
- System Requirements: This course is offered online. Internet connection required.
- Course Completion Information: To earn continuing education credit, professionals must register and pay the fee for the course. They must read the content and demonstrate understanding by earning a minimum score of 70 percent on testing materials. The certificate of completion will be able to be downloaded after the above is completed. Refunds will be granted upon request with the withdrawal of credit for the course. For questions, concerns, or to request special accommodations, please call 866-863-4225 or email ContactUs@BaysideCEU.com.
- CEBroker Course ID: 1406385
- Last Updated: September 3, 2026
This course is designed for RNs, CNAs, nursing assistants, patient care technicians, and other healthcare personnel who may assist with or perform blood collection as part of their job duties. It provides practical foundational knowledge in patient identification, preparation, communication, infection prevention, specimen collection, and safety while reinforcing the importance of working within state law, professional scope of practice, facility policy, and demonstrated competency.
- CEBroker Course ID 1406385