W3: INTRODUCTION TO PHLEBOTOMY

• Defined as an incision or a puncture into a vein in order to obtain blood.

• One of the oldest medical procedures, dating back to the early Egyptians and was termed as “_____________”.

1.) Phlebotomy
2.) bloodletting

__________ believed that disease was caused by an excess of body fluids, including blood, bile, and phlegm, and that removal of the excess would cause the body to return to or maintain a healthy state

1.) Hippocrates

The first-line treatment before all others: __________.

bloodletting

Techniques for bloodletting:

1.) Suction cup devices w/ lancets
2.) Application of blood sucking worms called “leeches”.
3.) Barber surgery

Bloodletting is now called “____________________” and is used as a treatment for only a small number of blood disorders such as ______________.

1.) therapeutic phlebotomy
2.) hemochromatosis

A disease which is also called iron overload.

Hemochromatosis

Barber’s Pole:

• Represents the bandage and blood when doing surgery. It also represents vein (deoxygenated) and artery (oxygenated).

White and Red

Barber’s Pole:

• Means twisting the bandage

twisting motion

primary role of phlebotomy is the _______________ for laboratory analysis to diagnose and monitor medical conditions.

collection of blood samples

Phlebotomist should obtain _______, _________________, and _____________ from a nationally recognized professional organization

1.) certification
2.) accreditation or licensure
3.) continuing education

A person trained to obtain blood samples primarily by venipuncture and micro techniques.

phlebotomist

Enumerate the 12 duties of phlebotomist in today’s healthcare setting:

1. Correct identification and preparation of the patient before sample collection

2. Collection of the appropriate amount of blood by venipuncture or dermal puncture for the specified tests

3. Selection of the appropriate sample containers for the specified tests

4. Correct labeling of all samples with the required information

5. Appropriate transportation of samples back to the laboratory in a timely manner

6. Effective interaction with patients and hospital personnel

7. Processing of samples for delivery to the appropriate laboratory departments

8. Performance of computer operations and record-keeping pertaining to phlebotomy

9. Observation of all safety regulations, quality control checks, and preventive maintenance procedures

10. Attendance at continuing education programs

11. Monitoring the quality of samples collected on the units

12. Performing and monitoring point-of-care testing (POCT)

Laboratory testing begins with sample collection and relies on the phlebotomist to report to work _____________ and _______.

1.) whenever scheduled
2.) on time

A committed phlebotomist attends _________, ____________ and _______________ or in newsletters.

1.) staff meetings

2.) attends pertinent memoranda

3.) observes notices placed on bulletin boards

Phlebotomists deal with sick, anxious, and frightened patients every day. They
must be ______________, understand a patient’s concern about a possible
diagnosis or just the fear of a needle and take the time to reassure each patient.
A ______________________ are simple techniques that can put a patient
more at ease.

1.) sensitive to their needs
2.) smile and a cheerful tone of voice

Courteous phlebotomists ______________ to the patients before they approach
them.

introduce themselves

Cultural diversity includes not only _________ but also _____________, _________, and
________. Do not expect every patient to respond to you in the same way and do not
force your mannerisms and approach on them.

1.) language

2.) religious beliefs

3.) customs

4.) values

The phlebotomist should _____________________, because a misidentified patient or mislabeled sample can be critical to patient safety. _______________ must be protected, and patient information is ______________ with anyone who does not have a professional need to know it.

1.) never hesitate to admit a mistake
2.) Patient confidentiality
3.) never discussed

Phlebotomists must demonstrate ___________ in the procedures they are trained to perform. However, overconfidence in one’s abilities can result in serious errors. Never perform a procedure that ________________________. When faced with this situation do not hesitate to ask for assistance from someone more experienced.

1.) competence

2.) you have not been trained to perform

Phlebotomists need to _______ their collection equipment and maintain ______________ tray or station. They must also organize and prioritize their work.

1.) organize
2.) well-stocked collection

Phlebotomists should be _____ and should have ____________ appearance that portrays a professional attitude to the patient.

1.) neat
2.) clean-looking

______________ are needed for the phlebotomist to function as the liaison between the laboratory and the patients, their family and visitors, and other health-care personnel.

Good communication skills

What are the three components of communication?

1.) Verbal skills
2.) Listening skills
3.) Nonverbal skills/Body language

To introduce themselves, explain the procedure, reassure the patient, and help assure the patient that the procedure is being competently performed

Verbal skills

Barriers to verbal communication that must be considered include physical handicaps such as ____________; _____________; and the ______________, and ________________.

1.) hearing impairment
2.) patient emotions
3.) Age and level of patient education
3.) Language proficiency

Methods to overcome: Hearing impairment

1.) Speak loudly and clearly
2.) Look at patient directly to facilitate lip-reading

Methods to overcome: Patient emotions

1.) Speak calmy and slowly
2.) Do not appear rushed or disinterested

Methods to overcome: Age and education levels

1.) Avoid medical jargon

Methods to overcome: Non-English speaking

1.) Locate a hospital-based interpreter
2.) Use hand signals, show equipments
3.) Remain calm, smiling, and reassuring

Enumerate the 5 listening skills:

1.) Looking directly and attentively at the patient
3.) Encouraging the patient to express feelings, anxieties, and
concerns
4.) Allowing the patient time to describe why he or she is concerned
5.) Providing feedback to the patient through appropriate responses
6.) Encouraging patient communication by asking questions

Enumerate the 3 non-verbal skills:

1.) Includes facial expression, posture, and eye contact.
2.) If you walk briskly into the room, smile, and look directly at the patient while talking, you demonstrate positive body language.
3.) Allowing patients to maintain their zone of comfort

Telephone skills:

1.) The phlebotomy department frequently acts as a type of ___________ for the rest of the laboratory because of its location in the central processing area.
2.) This is a prime example of the phlebotomist’s role as a _______ for the laboratory, and poor telephone skills affect the image of the laboratory.

1.) switchboard
2.) liaison

Enumerate the 6 proper telephone etiquette:

1.) Answer the phone promptly and politely
2.) Always check for an emergency before putting someone on hold
3.) Keep writing materials beside the phone to record information
4.) Make every attempt to help callers, and if you cannot help them, transfer them
to another person or department that can.
5.) Provide accurate and consistent information accurate and consistent information by keeping current with laboratory policies, looking up information published in department manuals, or asking a supervisor.
6.) Speak clearly and make sure you understand what the caller is asking and that
he or she understands the information you are providing