Infusion Courses
Blood Sampling (Online Curriculum)
Blood Sampling builds on foundational knowledge presented in PHS' IV Basics course. Completion of IV Basics is strongly recommended before taking this course.
This interactive, narrated, self-paced online course focuses on general blood sampling concepts and various methods of blood collection, with an emphasis on the home care patient. In addition, extra information is added for blood sampling for the pediatric patient. Topics include
- Blood sample labeling and lab requisitions
- Blood collection tube selection
- Special handling of blood samples
- Capillary (fingerstick, heelstick) blood collection techniques
- Central venous access device blood collection techniques
- Peripheral vein selection and distension
- Peripheral venipuncture techniques
- Appropriate blood collection equipment selection
- Troubleshooting and potential complications
A maximum of 2.5 contact hours can be awarded to online class participants, depending on the number of courses taken within this curriculum.
Criteria for successful completion to receive up to 2.5 contact hours (depending on which modules are completed):
- Completion of all course modules
- Achieving a passing score of 85% on post-test
- Completion and submission of evaluation form
There is no conflict of interest for anyone with the ability to control content of this activity.
This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by the Ohio Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation (OBN-001-91).
Activity Numbers:
- General Concepts (0.5 contact hours) 2020-0000001161
- Capillary Blood Collection (0.5 contact hours) 2020-0000001162
- Blood Sampling via Vascular Access Device (0.5 contact hours) 2020-0000001163
- Blood Sampling via Peripheral Venipuncture (1 contact hour) 2020-0000001164
- Expiration date 5/27/2023
An optional in-classroom lab for hands-on time is available. The optional lab takes place at Pediatric Home Service in Roseville, Minnesota. NOTE: This is not a competency. Each employer is responsible for ensuring their staff’s competency.
This lab meets the CE requirements for nurses in the state of MN for two contact hours. If you don't live in MN, or are not a nurse, you are responsible to ensure this lab meets your state's requirements.
Objectives: Upon completion of the course the participant will be able to
- Identify the key pieces of information required on a lab requisition and blood collection tube label.
- Discuss the different color-coded blood collection tubes and their uses.
- Identify the proper order for filling blood collection tubes.
- Discuss the proper way to transport blood samples to the laboratory.
- Identify the appropriate site for fingerstick and heelstick blood sampling.
- Discuss methods for safely collecting capillary blood without damaging blood cells.
- Discuss the advantages and potential risks of collecting blood from a central line.
- Identify the purpose of collecting a waste volume of blood.
- Discuss the appropriate method of flushing the central line when collecting a blood sample.
- Identify appropriate sites for peripheral venous access for the adult and pediatric population.
- Discuss three techniques that facilitate venous distension.
- Identify two keys to success for peripheral venipuncture.
- Discuss troubleshooting techniques that can be utilized during needle insertion.
- Differentiate between the direct method and the syringe method of blood collection, and discuss clinical applications of both.
- Describe the process of accessing a peripheral vein and collecting a blood sample.
Course authors: Jean Stumpf, BSN, CRNI and Jill Wall, BSN, CRNI