CPD: Blood Collection, Practical Aspects – The Blood Count and Film Manual

Blood Academy · August 19, 2024

Welcome to this online course on red cell morphology. This course is part of the Blood Count and Film Manual series.

By the end of this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the subject and the knowledge and skills required to practice in this field confidently.

Course details

The course will cover the following topics in detail:

  1. Principles of Blood Collection: You will learn the essential principles behind blood collection, focusing on venepuncture. This includes understanding the importance of patient safety, comfort, and proper technique to ensure accurate diagnostic results.

  2. Venepuncture Techniques: The course will explore various facets of the venepuncture process, including proper site selection, patient preparation, and the step-by-step procedure required to safely and effectively draw blood.

  3. Equipment Used in Blood Collection: Detailed instruction on the equipment required for blood collection, such as needles, syringes, vacutainers, and tourniquets, with a focus on the importance of sterility and correct usage to prevent contamination and ensure sample integrity.

  4. Sample Handling and Transport: Emphasis on the correct handling and transportation of blood samples to maintain viability and prevent hemolysis or contamination. This includes proper labelling and timely delivery to the laboratory.

  5. Safety Protocols and Risks: Comprehensive coverage of safety protocols for both the patient and the healthcare professional. The course will also address the risks associated with blood collection, such as needlestick injuries, and how to mitigate them.

  6. Alternative Blood Collection Methods: An introduction to less common methods of obtaining venous blood samples, such as capillary blood collection and the use of indwelling catheters, with a discussion on when these methods might be appropriate.

  7. Common Challenges and Troubleshooting: The course will highlight potential challenges in blood collection, such as difficult venous access, and provide strategies for overcoming these obstacles to ensure successful blood draws.

We will use video tutorials with English captions and an end-of-course assessment that awards a certificate upon successful completion.

It is estimated this course will take you 1-2 hours to complete.

The target audience for this course are:

  • Biomedical scientists/medical laboratory scientists
  • Haematology trainees and consultants
  • Haematopathology trainees and specialists

Your course certificate will be available for download after successfully completing the course assessment. If you have difficulty downloading your certificate, please email admin@blood-academy.com for further assistance.

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About our tutor

Dr Ali Mahdi

Dr Ali Mahdi

Dr Ali Mahdi is a Consultant Haematologist at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in South Wales. His specialist interests include haematology diagnostics and myeloid malignancies. He co-founded Blood Academy and has a keen interest in medical education. Dr Mahdi has also acted as principal investigator in several clinical trials for myeloid malignancies and is a member of the NCRI group for chronic myeloid leukaemia and myeloproliferative neoplasms.

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Program Includes

  • 6 Lessons
  • 1 Assessment
  • Program Certificate