Phlebotomy Training Tips
Phlebotomy is something that has to be practiced often in order to be mastered. It’s easily teachable, but it is something that must be done constantly in order for the skills to be retained. There are so many different patients that all have different conditions and backgrounds that you have to know many different things before beginning phlebotomy training. Here are a few basic tips that will help you on your way.
1. Basic Phlebotomy Training Tips
Phlebotomy is easy enough to practice, but there are a few basic things you should be aware of. Not only will you be getting patients with different blood types and circumstances, you’ll also need to know how to be courteous with these patients. Here are a few basic tips for practicing phlebotomy:
- Most importantly, you have to be able to locate your patients’ vein. Develop your sense of touch and be able to find veins even with your eyes closed. It’s sometimes really hard to find veins when you rely on sight alone, so it’s important to be able to do it by touch
-If you can’t locate a vein, there are several tricks to do so. First, try using an inflated blood pressure cuff instead of a standard tourniquet
-If that doesn’t work, try having your patient dangle their arm at their side while you get a warm compress. Heat is often very good at bringing veins to the surface, especially for people with small veins
-Try tapping or gently rubbing the area around the vein. It can help bring the vein to the surface
*Some myths involved with phlebotomy include having the patient pump their fist. This can interfere with test results because it can increase potassium - When collecting blood, make sure you’re using the right size tubes and needle. Don’t cause unnecessary pain to your patient by fishing around a vein or moving a vein around inside their body
- If you miss a vein, don’t stick a patient again with the same needle. It can be dangerous and cause infections
- Have patience with each patient. A lot of people are afraid of needles, and rushing them isn’t going to help relax them
- Never leave a tourniquet in a patient for longer than one minute. This can bruise your patients or damage their skin in the surrounding area
- Carry around a “cheat sheet” with the different colors of tubes and types as you begin to learn
- Be sure to know the circumstances of your patients. For example, always ask if your patient has been taking any blood thinners or other medications before you begin drawing blood. These patients will bleed out faster, thus needing the tourniquet inside of them for a smaller amount of time
- Try to avoid wasting blood tests. Make sure conditions, such as fasting, have been met before drawing blood
- Give your patient something else to focus on. It will reduce anxiety if they have something else to think about
Remembering the individual needs of your patients is most important. It’s good to make sure of each patient’s individual needs, not only so they are comfortable, but also so you can be sure you’re doing the test appropriately.
2. Advanced Phlebotomy Techniques
Maximizing sample quality while keeping patient discomfort to a minimum is always important in phlebotomy. Here are some advanced techniques to do so:
- Before you even puncture the vein, make sure you’re working in an orderly fashion. First take the patients with emergencies, and try to work your way efficiently down to those who just need a simple blood typing
- Make sure you have efficient supplies on hand. Always be prepared for an emergency or special case. For example, if a patient passes out, be sure to have items on hand that will help rejuvenate them
- Place your tourniquet high enough on the patient’s arm that it won’t interfere with drawing, but also be sure to remove it as quickly as possible. Not only will your patient likely be discomforted, but it can also alter test results
- Be sure you’re not contaminating tubes. It can negatively affect test results
- Follow protocols. Make sure you’re in line with what your facility would have you do. This may seem simple enough, but cutting corners shouldn’t be an option
It is most important to remember that you have a job to do, but that you need to keep your patients in mind. They don’t want to be in discomfort for long, so it’s your job to make sure they aren’t.
3. Relaxation Techniques & Phlebotomy Training
Making sure your patient is comfortable is a top priority in phlebotomy. Not only is it fair to the patient, but test results are better when your patient is properly relaxed. Here are some techniques that you can use to relax your patients:
- Have your patient count to a specific number and then inhale. Draw their blood during the inhale. It may seem elementary, but it will give your patient something else to focus on
- Ask your patient about their day, or have them describe an experience to you
- Have your patient describe the room to you
Relaxing your patient is easiest when you are kind to them. You should always be sure your patient is comfortable before you begin testing. Sometimes it is hard when you have a line, but having to redo a test will take more time.
4. Job Advice
When searching for a job in phlebotomy, there are several things you can do to go beyond a typical resume. Here’s some advice for securing a job in phlebotomy:
- When looking at different companies, be sure to know the job description and education requirements. It would be hard to find a job in phlebotomy if you’re not properly qualified
- Look for schools near you that may have classes in phlebotomy training. Take those classes, and gain as much extra information as possible
Most importantly, always be sure to tailor your resume to the job. Know what the facility wants.