ANES 118 - Phlebotomy

11 Total Credits
This is a required course in the Anesthesia Technologist program, teaching common phlebotomy practices for adults and children. Students learn how to safely and effectively draw blood using venipuncture and capillary puncture methods for adults and children, plus finger sticks or heel sticks for young children and infants. Students learn proper phlebotomy specific infection control. They receive instruction on how to prepare the blood collection site, how to choose the proper collection tools and how to handle the transportation, processing, and management of collected samples. During practicum, students practice the blood and specimen collection and handling skills learned in their theory class. They practice these duties on adult and pediatric simulation arms as well as other students. The course leads to Washington State certification in Phlebotomy.

Course Outcomes

Apply infection control and safety procedures during phlebotomy, including proper hand hygiene, glove use, antiseptic technique, and safe disposal of sharps and biohazard materials.
Verify patient identity and communicate effectively with patients before and during specimen collection.
Select and prepare appropriate phlebotomy equipment, including blood collection tubes and devices required for specific laboratory tests.
Locate major veins used in venipuncture and perform venipuncture procedures safely and accurately, completing required blood draws according to program standards.
Follow correct blood collection procedures, including tourniquet application, proper order of draw, and techniques that prevent specimen contamination.
Label, handle, and process specimens according to laboratory standards to maintain specimen integrity and support accurate testing.
Identify potential complications and testing requirements, including risks associated with blood collection, causes of specimen rejection, fasting or timed test requirements, and situations when blood collection should not be performed.