Upcoming dates

Course content

1. 1 Role, responsibilities and venous anatomy

   Why blood is taken and the responsibilities of the person taking it. A review of the superficial veins of the upper limb – median cubital, cephalic, basilic and dorsal hand veins – and the arteries and nerves that lie close to them.

   By the end of this part you will be able to:

   • Locate the median cubital, cephalic and basilic veins
   • Assess vein size and stability before choosing a site
   • Name the sites and nearby structures to avoid

2. 2 Patient identification, consent and positioning

   Safe phlebotomy starts before the needle goes in. Confirm the patient and the blood request, explain the procedure, check relevant allergies and previous difficulties, and position patients who may faint safely.

   By the end of this part you will be able to:

   • Use a consistent identity and request check
   • Recognise patients at risk of fainting before starting

3. 3 Infection prevention and equipment

   Hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, skin preparation and aseptic technique. Hands-on familiarisation with tourniquets, needles, butterfly devices, vacuum collection systems, syringes, gauze and sharps containers, and how equipment choice changes with the patient and setting.

   By the end of this part you will be able to:

   • Choose between a straight needle and a butterfly device
   • Manage a blood exposure incident

4. 4 Blood tubes, order of draw and specimen handling

   Common blood tubes, their additives and typical investigations. Correct order of draw, gentle mixing, avoiding haemolysis, accurate labelling and safe transport to the laboratory, always within local laboratory policy.

   By the end of this part you will be able to:

   • Explain why the order of draw matters
   • Reduce the risk of haemolysed samples

5. 5 Practical venepuncture technique

   A structured procedure practised repeatedly on realistic venepuncture arms under instructor supervision, from applying the tourniquet to sharps disposal, checking the patient and documenting the procedure.

   By the end of this part you will be able to:

   • Release the tourniquet at the right moment
   • Recognise successful venous access
   • Document the procedure where required

6. 6 Difficult situations and complications

   Poorly visible, fragile or hard-to-palpate veins, dehydrated or anxious patients, needle phobia and slow blood flow. Recognising and managing haematoma, bleeding, pain, fainting, nerve irritation, infection, accidental arterial puncture and failed attempts.

   By the end of this part you will be able to:

   • Decide when to stop and escalate rather than try again
   • Respond to a haematoma or suspected arterial puncture

Course format

Delivery

Small-group practical workshops using venepuncture simulation arms

Certification

Requirements

Attend the whole course and complete the practical training successfully.

Training venue