The module begins with a mandatory one-day workshop followed by 16 weeks of self-managed study.  This course can be used as part of our Cert. HE Primary Care qualification.

Administration Staff, Health Care Assistant, Nurse, Registered Healthcare Practitioners, Nurse Practitioner

Teesside University 20 Credits Level 4

Performing Phlebotomy in Primary Care. This module normally runs over four months and is designed for primary health care assistants and other members of the primary care team where a need has been identified for them to expand their role and gain new knowledge and skills in performing phlebotomy in the primary care environment. The content includes: consideration of the patient experience, the structure of blood vessels, overview of blood tests commonly requested for patients in the primary setting, technique for taking blood including a practical session, accountability, infection control and health and safety issues related to phlebotomy.

Students must be employed for a minimum of 15 hours per week within a primary care environment. Prior to acceptance onto the module, students should identify a registered nurse mentor who will support them in the clinical environment. The mentor will be sent a mentor guide detailing the requirements of the course and the responsibility they will have in signing off the student competencies.  The mentor must sign a declaration of support and a willingness to sign-off the competencies before the module starts. The training centre will also provide support to the mentors via phone or email throughout the module.

As part of the assessment involves writing an essay, it is important that students have a good ability to write clearly in English. You must be able to complete the Literacy & Numeracy Assessment Tools at the Skills for Health website.

• Describe the structure of a blood vessel and the circulatory system of the arm.
• Identify and explain the different types of blood-collection systems used in taking venous blood samples.
• Accurately interpret and record relevant patient information and interpret and apply that information on blood samples.  
• Support the physical and psychological wellbeing of a patient whilst having venous blood taken.
• Demonstrate and explain the technique for obtaining a venous blood sample. 
• Recognise and act on problems related to the taking of venous blood samples.
• Understand and apply local infection control and health and safety policy when taking venous blood samples. 
• Demonstrate literacy skills appropriate to the level of study.

• Preparing and supporting the patient throughout the procedure
• Structure of blood vessels
• The venous system of the arm
• Infection-control policy
• Health and safety policy
• Procedure for taking venous blood
• Health and safety issues related to handling specimens of blood types of blood samples
• Patient consent
• Common problems encountered during phlebotomy
• Accountability 
• Introduction to academic writing

Students will complete a competency booklet within the clinical setting while working alongside the registered nurse mentor who will sign to verify acheivement of competence.

Students  are required to submit a written summary (not more than  2000 words) which  addresses  a number of questions that  expands on  activities undertaken in the workbook and their practice of phlebotomy,  e.g. considering patient's concerns and anxieties when attending for blood tests, looking at local guidelines on health and safety and infection control and linking these to National Policies, recording patient information.