Red Cross Phlebotomy Training

Phlebotomy is a growing profession that is offered at the American Red Cross.

Phlebotomy, the practice of drawing blood for diagnostic testing and transfusion, is a popular health-care field and a required responsibility of nurses and nurse aides. The American Red Cross offers phlebotomy training to students to develop the skills of those desiring to enter the health-care field and advance their career.

Entrance Requirements

Before taking the course, prospective students must submit forms and background information. An application form must be submitted along with the approved physical form as well as a criminal background check. A drug test also must be submitted. The background check must be submitted and cleared through the Red Cross staff before students can be considered for the program.

Description

The phlebotomy course teaches students about a variety of theory and practical applications. This includes collecting, processing and transporting blood for clinical labs. Students will also learn about medical terminology, physiology and anatomy. Safety guidelines and precautions will be discussed. Students will be trained in butterfly and syringe venipuncture in collecting blood. To learn and develop blood-drawing skills, they will draw blood from a training arm.

Safety Training

Phlebotomy students will learn and apply the standard precautions of safety developed by the federal government's Centers for Disease Control adn Prevention (CDC). According to the CDC, blood is the most important source of HIV and blood-borne disease transmission. Students will learn how to use protective wear, including gloves, masks and eye wear. The use of these items reduces the risk of exposure to infectious materials. Hand washing with antibacterial soap is vital in killing bacteria and avoiding disease.

Certification

Students completing the phlebotomy training will receive a certification of completion. Following training, students are eligible to take the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) exam to receive national certification. This allows students to become entry-level phlebotomists (PBT).

References

• American Red Cross: Phlebotomy Training

Resources

• American Red Cross: Background Check Form
• CDC: Universal Precautions for Prevention of Transmission of HIV and Other Bloodborne Infections