Revised 08/2022

MDL 106 - Clinical Phlebotomy (4 CR.)

Course Description

Focuses on obtaining blood specimens, processing specimens, and managing assignments, assisting with and/or performing specified tests, performing clerical duties, and maintaining professional communication. Provides supervised learning in college laboratory/and or cooperating agencies. Lecture 2 hours per week. Laboratory 6 hours per week; a minimum of 100 clinical hours will be spent at a cooperating agency.

General Course Purpose

To provide students with a clinical experience where they will gain the organization and practical skills to perform the tasks of a phlebotomy technician.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

  • General Prerequisites: MDL 105 with a grade of “C” or better is required.
    • Prerequisites for Phlebotomy CSC: ENG 111, HIM 130, HLT 141 and HLT 145 with a grade of “C” or better is required.
    • Prerequisites for Medical Laboratory Assistant CSC program: ENG 111, MDL 100, HLT 141, and MDL 140 with a grade of “C” or better is required.

Course Objectives

  • Demonstrate the ability to interpret laboratory requisitions by selecting the appropriate type and number of collection tubes for routine specimens.
  • Demonstrate correct patient identification procedures.
  • Label all specimens collected in accordance with laboratory policy
  • Communicate effectively with patients by demonstrating a concerned and confident approach.
  • Perform venipunctures making no more than two attempts.
  • Perform dermal punctures and obtain the necessary amount of specimen.
  • Collect stat and timed specimens with expediency.
  • Demonstrate techniques which ensure the safety of patients, staff and self in accordance with laboratory policy,
  • Recognize unacceptable specimen conditions and take appropriate actions.
  • Follow accepted laboratory policy in reporting failure to obtain specimens after two attempts.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively with laboratory staff.
  • Demonstrate the initiative and self-confidence to perform laboratory procedures approved by the laboratory supervisor.
  • Demonstrate the ability to follow verbal instructions and give verbal reports whenever necessary.
  • Demonstrate the ability to organize work to achieve maximum efficiency.
  • Demonstrate the initiative to recognize specimens, which need to be collected and volunteer to collect them.
  • Exhibit professional integrity by recognizing discrepancies in the requests and specimens, taking corrective measures, and/or report them to the supervisor.
  • Maintain a clean and well-organized work area.
  • Accept criticism, continuously attempt to improve performance, utilize free time constructively.

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Laboratory safety Patient Safety
  • Role of the phlebotomist in a patient care environment
  • CLSI standards in phlebotomy techniques, venipuncture and dermal puncture CLSI standards in handling and processing specimens for laboratory testing