Venepuncture

Venepuncture training provides healthcare professionals with the knowledge and practical skills needed to safely obtain blood samples. Covering vein selection, anatomy, equipment, patient checks, sharps safety, complications and the venepuncture procedure, this practical course helps delegates develop confidence and competence while supporting safe, accurate blood collection and effective patient care in clinical healthcare settings nationwide.

  • Suitable for: Nurses, HCAs and other care staff

  • Delivery method: Face-to-face / Virtual training / Open virtual workshop

  • Course length: ½ day (theory) / 1 day (theory & practical)

  • Max attendees: 15 delegates

Venepuncture training

Who is this training for?

This CPD training course is designed for organisations wishing to train 8 or more staff members and can be delivered either face-to-face, or as an online webinar. For further information, please contact us on 02920 494 969 or make an online enquiry.

Course information

This venepuncture training course combines theoretical knowledge with practical training to develop the skills required for successful blood collection. Delegates explore the anatomy and physiology of veins, appropriate vein selection, patient identification, equipment preparation and the prevention of pre-analytical errors. The course covers consent, record keeping, infection prevention, sharps safety and the recognition and management of complications. Delegates are introduced to blood collection equipment, tubes and order of draw before practising the venepuncture procedure under trainer support.

The session also includes troubleshooting techniques for difficulties such as locating a vein or obtaining an adequate sample. Following training, competency is achieved in the workplace through supervised practice and sign-off by a qualified senior member of staff.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this training, delegates will be able to:

  • Understand the anatomy and physiology of veins relevant to venepuncture.
  • Identify appropriate veins and sites for venepuncture.
  • Recognise veins and sites that should be avoided.
  • Understand how to improve vein detection where veins are difficult to locate.
  • Identify and prepare the equipment required for venepuncture.
  • Understand the importance of accurate patient identification and pre-procedure checks.
  • Understand the different blood collection tubes and their uses.
  • Understand the correct order of draw for blood samples.
  • Apply appropriate infection prevention and sharps safety procedures.
  • Understand the importance of obtaining appropriate patient consent.
  • Demonstrate the correct venepuncture procedure.
  • Apply appropriate techniques for collecting and handling blood samples.
  • Recognise and respond appropriately to complications such as haematoma, venous spasm and excessive bleeding.
  • Understand how to troubleshoot difficulties when locating a vein or obtaining an adequate blood sample.
  • Complete appropriate documentation following the procedure.
  • Understand their responsibilities around training, supervision and workplace competency assessment.

Please note: A competency framework is included in this training. Competency is achieved in the workplace following the training. Each procedure needs to be signed off by a qualified, senior member of staff. The completed document can then be used to identify the individuals’ competence.

Delivery methods

Acute Training Solutions strive to deliver an engaging and informative learning experience in a safe and inclusive environment. All of our training courses are delivered by experienced healthcare professionals across the UK. This healthcare training course is available via the following delivery methods:

  • Face-to-face training (½ day - 1 day): This course can be delivered to a maximum of 15 delegates and can be tailored to meet your organisation's specific needs. The half-day option provides a theory-only session, while the full-day includes a simulated workstation with clinical oversight. Please confirm your preference when booking.

  • Virtual training (½ day): This course can be delivered via Zoom or MS Teams to a maximum of 20 delegates. Virtual sessions are most commonly used as refresher training sessions. Please note that there is no hands-on practical element in this training; practical elements are displayed using video examples.

  • Open virtual workshop (2 ½ hours): Open to individuals, our virtual workshops are delivered via Zoom by qualified trainers and can be completed in the comfort of your own home or workplace. View our next upcoming workshop.

Course FAQs

The course is designed for healthcare professionals who need to develop the knowledge and practical skills required to perform venepuncture and obtain blood samples safely and effectively.

The course covers vein selection, anatomy and physiology, equipment, patient checks, consent, infection prevention, sharps safety, blood collection tubes, order of draw, the venepuncture procedure, documentation and managing complications.

Yes - when participating in the full day training. The course includes a practical session where delegates practise venepuncture techniques with trainer support and observation.

The course provides the training and practical experience, but competency is achieved in the workplace following the course. Each procedure needs to be signed off by a qualified, senior member of staff using the relevant competency framework.

Delegates are introduced to equipment including tourniquets, swabs, Vacutainer sets, blood bottles and forms, dressings, trays, sharps containers and appropriate personal protective equipment. The course also covers different needle and blood collection systems.

Yes. Delegates learn how to recognise and manage potential problems including difficulty locating a vein, incomplete blood collection, haematoma formation and blood appearing bright red, which may indicate arterial rather than venous blood.

Yes. We deliver venepuncture training nationwide and can provide training at your premises or through alternative delivery methods where appropriate.

Yes. Certificates are provided following successful completion of the course.

Make an enquiry

Acute Training Solutions can provide tailored healthcare training to your organisation or team. To find out more about this course, please contact us on 02920 494 969 or complete the short online form below. A member of our team will be in touch right away.