Assignments

1. Edit your personal information in BlackBoard. When you log in there is a box on the left hand side of the screen labeled "Tools". Click on "Personal Information", then "Edit Personal Information". There is a link to ACC Online Services. Verify that your information is correct.
2. Please post a brief bio about yourself in the Introduction" area of the Discussion Board by deadline posted in the Discussion Board of BlackBoard. To add your post click on "Discussion Board" from the left hand side of the course screen. Click on "Introduction". Click on "Add New Thread". In the "Subject" line type "Your Name Introduction". In the "Message" window type your post. Please include information about why you are taking this class, state your career goal, and whether or not you plan to work as a phlebotomist. Add any other pertinent information you want about your family, hobbies, other courses, etc. Once you have finished click ""Submit" found on the bottom left.
   
   I would recommend that you type your post and save it in a word processing program. If for some reason you do something wrong and your post is not submitted you can go back to your file and recreate your post. This also allows you to do SPELL CHECK. I expect correct spelling, grammar and punctutation. This is college:) After you create your post in your word processor highlight the text and press "ctrl-c" at the same time. This will copy the text. Click in the "Subject" window in the Discussion Board and press "ctrl-v" at the same time and this will paste your text into the window.
3. The Occupational Outlook Quarterly has this nice article titled You're a What? Phlebotomist that I think you will all enjoy. It nicely explains what a phlebotomist does from the view point of the phlebotomist. Enjoy and share with your family members who are wondering the same thing!
4. The International Sharps Injury Prevention Society is an excellent website about sharps safety and other health issues.
5. MedTraining (MTS) Assignments - Go to http://www.medtraining.org. Unless stated otherwise by me your user name AND password are your first and last name all together, no spaces, with the first letter of your first and last name capitalized. CHANGE YOUR PASSWORD. When finished with the module take the exam. You must score 80% or better on the exam. These must be completed by the instructor stated deadline to receive full credit.
   1. Introduction to the Clinical Laboratory
   2. Biosafety
   3. Chemical Safety
   4. Electrical Safety
   5. Fire Safety

1/23

1. Register at Pearson - The front cover of your book has instructions for registering. The web site is loaded with activities to assist you in learning and applying your knowledge.
2. Overview of the Profession
   Please view this slide presentation created by ASCP on the role of the Phlebotomist in the clinical laboratory. If your computer does not have Powerpoint you will need to download the FREE viewer: Powerpoint Veiwer . Once the presentation opens continue clicking in the window to show it.
3. Respect the Needle
   Read the article and post a one paragraph response to the appropriate area of the Discussion Board by deadline posted in the Discussion Board of BlackBoard. Include your personal thoughts and feelings about the possibility of an accidental exposure.The "Tip of the Month" is a monthly feature at Center for Phlebotomy Education. This month's issue has several articles addressing needle phobia I believe you will find interesting. Please go to http://www.phlebotomy.com/
4. Online Blood Collection Tutorial
   Visit the Phlebotomy Online Tutorial and read the information about blood collection by venipuncture. Do NOT go through the whole tutorial yet.
5. Prepare Flash Cards
   Remembering which test is to be drawn into which tube is the biggest challenge facing the phlebotomy student. As we go through each lecture and laboratory highlight or mark EACH LABORATORY TEST covered. Prepare flash cards, either individual by stopper color or by each individual test. For each stopper color list the additive present. This site may be helpful to you: Flash Card Tutorial to Match Tube Colores With Lab Tests

1/25

1. Post your thoughts about your first live draw in the Discussion Board by deadline posted in the Discussion Board of BlackBoard.
2. The Bleeding Edge
   Read the article "Phlebotomy: On the Bleeding Edge". Answer the questions at the end of the article and SUBMIT YOUR ANSWERS by completing the quiz online in BlackBoard. The link to the quiz is found in the "Exams" section. Complete by Sunday at midnight.
3. Please review the Laboratory Panels web site to see the laboratory tests included in each.
4. Please review the Blood Collection Tube Top Colors web pages. Click on a tube top to see a list of tests drawn into the tube.
5. One of the most challenging assignments for the beginning phlebotomist is remembering tube to draw for the test ordered. One excellent site contains "Medical Lab Tubes" is a card game which allows you to practice memorizing the tube color with the test ordered.

   Your assignment is to find ONE site which provides helpful information about tube stopper colors and tests drawn and post it in the discussion forum. There are many, many such sites out there, the problem is choosing the correct words in your search engine. Post your link in BlackBoard by deadline posted in the Discussion Board of BlackBoard.

2/1

1. Deadline for submitting physical and proof of TB test.
2. Hematocrits
   Hematocrits are an easy test to perform to determine if a patient is anemic. Click on the word "hematocrit" to go to the tutorial.
3. Heelstick Tutorial
   Visit the Phlebotomy Online Tutorial and read all of the information about heelstick procedures.
4. Texas Department of State Health Services - Newborn Screening
   Heelsticks and Newborn Screening. - click on the specimen collection links.

2/6

1. Butterfly and Syringe Draws
   Review BD Vacutainer® Safety-Lok Blood Collection Set pdf document, the BD Blood Transfer Device video and the BD Vacutainer® Safety-Lok Blood Collection Set video.
2. BD Vacutainer® Safety-Lok Blood Collection Set
   BD Safety-Lok Blood Collection Sets are safety-engineered winged sets indicated for both infusion and blood collection. They feature a translucent, integrated protective shield that provides one-handed activation immediately after use to minimize the risk of needlestick injuries, and that allows for clear visibility of blood flashback. Go to http://www.bd.com/safety/products/b_collect/#b1
3. BD Blood Transfer Device
   The BD Blood Transfer Device is an easy-to-use, latex free device used to facilitate safe and simple specimen transfers. It protects the health and safety of healthcare workers who draw and transfer bodily fluids by reducing the risk of spills and needlesticks. Simultaneously, it helps to ensure sample integrity, which is critical for accurate diagnosis and prescription. Go to http://www.bd.com/safety/products/b_collect/#b3.
4. Post a response to the Discussion board comparing the vacuum collection system to the syringe draw by by deadline posted in the Discussion Board of BlackBoard.

2/8

1. This site contains general and specific information about blood cultures.
2. The following assignments are due by deadline posted in the Discussion Board of BlackBoard.
   1. I want everyone to visit the following web site and read the article "Drawing Venous Blood With Syringes: A Risky Use of Injection Equipment" which clearly explains the dangers of syringe draws. Please post your thoughts comparing the syringe/butterfly with the syringe/straight needle draw. Think of the following questions when posting: Which do you feel is safest? Why? What are your thoughts about transferring blood from the syringe to the evacuated tubes?
   2. Please review this excellent article "Controlling Blood Culture Contamination Rates". Read the article and take the quiz located in BlackBoard in the "EXAMS" section. I recommend that you print out the quiz, mark your answers on the CE test form and then transcribe them to the quiz.

2/13

2/15

1. Print out this webpage prior to the Blood Smear lab: http://www.alpha-scientific.com/Diff-safe2.html.
2. Review the streaming videos illustrating the Preparing Blood Smears for microscopic analysis . Click on the links under "Laboratory".
3. Please review this Preparing Blood Smears (word) (pdf) prior to class. Pay close attention to the positioning of the slides when preparing a blood smear.
4. We will be repeating the capillary (finger) blood collection procedure. Please review Laboratory 4.
5. If time permits we will also repeat venipuncture.
6. Please print out the page "Proper Activation of Safety Needle". Keep this by your side during venipuncture. Several of you are continuing to activate the safety needle in an incorrect manner. You MUST follow the manufacturer's guidelines. Click on the link under "Laboratory".

2/20

1. Please visit my list of Immunohematology sites for additional information about blood banking organizations and blood banking information in general. Look at some of the sites on cord blood banking. Discuss your thoughts on this subject in the Discussion Board. Do you agree? Why or why not? Would you do it for your child? Post by deadline posted in the Discussion Board of BlackBoard.
2. Visit the Armed Services Blood Program site. Browse around the site as it has a wealth of information related to blood donor interviews, collection of blood, and some "nice to know stuff". This will be an excellent resource for any questions you may have related to blood donor acceptability. Another excellent site is the America Association of Blood Banks

2/22

1. As an employee at a health care facility you may be involved with bedside glucose or Point of Care Testing (POCT). This site contains a wealth of information about Point of Care Testing.
2. This site contains information on gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy).
3. The American Diabetes Association has excellent resources and information for and about diabetes.

1. Occult Blood
   Please review this video Hemoccult® Developing & Interpreting the Test, In-Service Video before class
2. Lab Tests Online
   Lab Tests Online an invaluable resource for patients, their families and healthcare professionals dealing with laboratory results . I would strongly recommend that you bookmark it for future use. Please read the information about Fecal Occult Blood Test. Be sure to click on each of the tabs on the web page.
3. Specimen Procurement and Processing
   Review this site which nicely illustrates and explains the purpose of specimen processing.
4. Specimen Processing - Medtraining Assignment
   Please go to http://www.medtraining.org and complete the "Specimen Processing Module". When finished take the exam. You must score 80% or better on the exam. Please complete by deadline posted in BlackBoard. PLEASE EMAIL ME WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED THIS ASSIGNMENT.

2/29

EVERYONE must complete the following activities located at http://www.austincc.edu/health/dmt.php

• Safe Environment of Care Challenge Exam
• Seton Workplace Violence
• Review the "St. David's Student Orientation Manual" and complete the St. David's Mandatory Education Module
• St. David's Statement of Responsibility
• St. David's Confidentiality and Security Agreement
• HIPAA Student/Employee Training Module - After you complete the HIPAA module (it should take approximately 15 minutes) PRINT OUT AND SIGN the form, bring this to class.

Review the textbook Appendix 2 "Finding a Job" pages 550 - 554.

Visit the Resume Project and Interview Skills at http://www.austincc.edu/mlt/resume.htm  . There you will find some excellent resources for creating your resume as well as tips for giving an excellent interview.

Post ONE interview or resume tip for your fellow classmates. Post by deadline posted in the Discussion Board of BlackBoard.

Looking for something to do? Try this online review quiz.