Phlebotomy

A certification course focused on blood collection and specimen handling techniques.

Basic Concepts

Blood Collection Equipment and Safety

Essential Equipment

Phlebotomists use a variety of tools, including:

  • Needles and syringes
  • Vacutainer tubes
  • Tourniquets
  • Alcohol swabs
  • Gloves and sharps containers

Safety First!

All equipment must be sterile to prevent infection. Used needles go straight into a sharps container to keep everyone safe.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always wear gloves and, when necessary, masks or gowns. This protects both the patient and the phlebotomist.

Preventing Accidents

Following safety protocols and disposing of sharps properly reduces the risk of needle-stick injuries and cross-contamination.

Examples

  • After using a needle, it is immediately placed in a sharps container.

  • A tourniquet is applied to make veins more visible before drawing blood.

In a Nutshell

Using the right tools and safety measures keeps blood collection safe for everyone.