Upcoming venepuncture and cannulation course dates in Manchester

What you will learn

• Identify suitable upper-limb veins for venepuncture and cannulation
• Prepare the patient, confirm identity and obtain valid consent
• Apply hand hygiene, skin antisepsis and aseptic non-touch technique
• Perform venepuncture on a training arm using vacuum and butterfly systems
• Follow the correct order of draw and label blood specimens safely
• Insert, flush, secure and dress a peripheral IV cannula in simulation
• Recognise and respond to haematoma, infiltration, extravasation and phlebitis
• Recognise when repeated attempts are inappropriate and escalate

Course content

1. 1 Venous anatomy and vein selection

   A review of the upper-limb veins used for blood sampling and IV access, and how anatomy guides site choice. You learn to tell stable veins from rolling, fragile or previously used ones.

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

   • Locate the median cubital, cephalic and basilic veins
   • Distinguish superficial from deeper vessels
   • Name sites where access should be avoided

2. 2 Communication, identification and consent

   How to introduce yourself, confirm patient identity, explain the procedure and gain valid consent. It also covers needle anxiety, privacy and dignity, and spotting patients at risk of fainting.

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

   • Ask about previous difficult access before starting
   • Support a patient with needle phobia
   • Keep the patient informed throughout the procedure

3. 3 Infection prevention and ANTT

   Hand hygiene, PPE, skin antisepsis and clean equipment preparation, applied through aseptic non-touch technique. Includes safe handling of blood, sharps disposal and what to do after a needlestick injury.

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

   • Protect key parts from contamination
   • Dispose of sharps safely at the point of use

4. 4 Venepuncture and blood collection (morning)

   Tourniquet use, needle selection, and butterfly and vacuum collection systems, practised on realistic training arms. You change specimen tubes, remove the needle safely and apply pressure and a dressing.

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

   • Choose the right tubes and fill them in the correct order
   • Take steps to avoid haemolysis
   • Label and handle specimens safely

5. 5 Peripheral IV cannula insertion (afternoon)

   Indications for IV access, cannula gauge selection and a structured insertion technique. You practise needle and catheter control, spotting flashback and advancing the catheter on simulation arms.

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

   • Match cannula size to the intended therapy
   • Connect an extension device and confirm patency

6. 6 Cannula care, documentation and removal

   Flushing, securing and dressing the site, recording the insertion and assessing the site afterwards. Also covers when and how to remove a cannula.

7. 7 Difficult access and complications

   Managing poorly visible, rolling or fragile veins, oedema, dehydration and previous failed attempts. You learn to recognise complications, from haematoma and fainting to arterial puncture and nerve irritation, and to decide when to stop and escalate.

8. 8 Practical assessment and next steps

   A supervised practical assessment on simulation equipment, followed by guidance on what your employer may still need before you practise independently, such as supervised procedures, a logbook or workplace sign-off.

Course format

Duration

1 day (or one half day)

Delivery

Two half-day practical sessions on training arms: phlebotomy in the morning, cannulation in the afternoon

Assessment

How you are assessed

Continuous instructor observation during practice, followed by a supervised practical skills assessment on simulation equipment.

Practical assessment

Demonstrate safe preparation, patient interaction, equipment and vein selection, infection prevention, needle technique, specimen collection or cannula insertion, sharps safety, recognition of complications and aftercare.

Certification

Requirements

Attend the session(s) booked. Full day: 6 CPD hours. Half day: 3 CPD hours.

Certificate valid for

Refresher recommended every 2 years

Training near you

PLAB Guide Training Centre delivers Venepuncture and Cannulation Course in Manchester, convenient for learners travelling from Levenshulme, Longsight, Burnage, Didsbury, Stockport and surrounding areas.

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