Unit 1: Mobile Phlebotomy Overview

Course Objectives

Demonstrate proper sample management in transit.
Identify and utilize essential equipment in mobile settings
Apply best practices in patient interaction and professionalism
Recognize legal and ethical considerations in mobile phlebotomy

Course Content

Course Creator: Kirsten Hermens, NCMA-P

Total CE Hours: 1 Credit Hour

Pace Course #: 586-2601-26
Key Terms:

Sample integrity
Chain of custody
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
Informed Consent
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
Negligence
Liability Insurance
Scope of Practice
Point-of-Care Testing (POCT)
Hemolysis
Hemoconcentration
Centrifugation

Outline:

Objectives
Key terms
Introduction
- Mobile Phlebotomy
- Traditional phlebotomy
Background
- What is Mobile Phlebotomy?
- Relevance of Mobile Phlebotomy
- Who Benefits from Mobile Phlebotomy
- Growth of Mobile Phlebotomy
Equipment, Draw Kits & Storage
- Overview of a Mobile Draw Kit
- Most Common Mobile Blood Collection Tubes & Additives
- Specialty Draws Kits
- Portable Centrifuges
  - Proper Centrifuge Use & Best Practices
- Essential Storage Equipment for Mobile Phlebotomy
  - Specimen transport bags
  - Portable refrigeration Unit
  - Temperature monitoring devices
Sharps Containers & Biohazard Disposal Bags
Maintaining Sterility
- Key Steps for Maintaining Sterility in Mobile Phlebotomy
  - Proper Hand Hygiene & Use of PPE
  - Using Sterile Equipment & Supplies
    - Disinfecting the Collection Site
  - Maintaining a Clean Work Area
- Proper Waste Disposal & Biohazard Safety
  - Follow OSHA and CDC guidelines for handling and disposing of biohazardous materials
- Challenges in Maintaining Sterility in the Field
  - Uncontrolled Environments
  - Limited Access to Running Water
  - Weather & Environmental Factors
  - Best Practices to Overcome Sterility Challenges
    - Carry a portable, clean workspace
    - Keep a fully stocked kit
    - Be mindful of the surroundings
    - Educate patients
Emergency Equipment and Preparedness
- First Aid Kit
- Cold Packs
- Bloodborne Pathogen Spill Kit
- Extra Gloves, Masks, and PPE
- Include N95 masks or face shields for high-risk environments.
- Emergency Contact Information & Communication Plan
- Documentation Forms for Incident Reporting
- Best Practices for Emergency Preparedness in Mobile Phlebotomy
  - Managing Samples
  - Preventing Hemolysis
  - Preventing Contamination
Challenges in Mobile Sample Management
- Temperature Control
- Transit times
- Labeling accuracy
Chain of Custody in Mobile Phlebotomy – Legal and Compliance Guidelines
- Dealing with Sample Rejections
Safe Sample Disposal and Biohazard Management
Best Practices
- Building Trust with Patients – Communication Strategies for Home Visits
- Infection Control & PPE Use
- Managing Patient Anxiety and Needle Phobia
- Assessing Patient Veins on the Go – Tips for Challenging Draws
Emergency Situations in Mobile Phlebotomy
- Emergency Situations
  - Managing Fainting Episodes (Vasovagal Syncope)
  - Managing Excessive Bleeding
  - Managing Hematomas
  - Needle Stick Injury Protocol
  - Handling Allergic Reactions (Latex, Alcohol, or Tape Sensitivity)
  - Cardiac Distress or Unresponsive Patient
  - Additional Preparedness Tips for Mobile Phlebotomists:
Legal & Ethical Considerations
- HIPAA Compliance in Mobile Phlebotomy
- Best Practices for HIPAA Compliance in Mobile Settings
- Consent & Documentation
- Best Practices for Documentation
- Legal Implications of Improper Documentation
- Best Practices to Avoid Legal Issues in Documentation
The Future of Mobile Phlebotomy

References:

(2024, November 28). Remote Patient Monitoring Market Insights 2024-2029 - Integration of AI in Remote Patient Monitoring, Surge in Demand for RPM Technology and Growing Use of Mobile Technologies and Smart Devices in RPM - ResearchAndMarkets.Com. Business Wire. Retrieved February 15, 2025, from https://www.businesswire.com/news/home
(2022, May 26). The truth about home research visits: Mobile nurses & mobile phlebotomists. IQVIA. Retrieved February 15, 2025, from https://www.iqvia.com/blogs/2022/05/the-truth-about-home-research-visits-mobile-nurses-and-mobile-phlebotomists
Anderson, G. R. (2022). A Fundamental Guide To Phlebotomy (1st ed., pp. 128-142). NHCO - National Healthcare Certification Organization.
(n.d.). Go further with cancer screening. GRAIL. Retrieved March 1, 2025, from https://www.galleri.com/
(n.d.). The future of blood collection is here. YourBio Health. Retrieved March 1, 2025, from https://yourbiohealth.com/
(n.d.). Cancer diagnostics that impact lives. NeoGenomics. Retrieved March 1, 2025, from https://www.neogenomics.com/
(n.d.). Vitalant Research Institute (VRI): Your Cell Sourcing Partner. Vitalant. Retrieved March 1, 2025, from https://research.vitalant.org/Cell-Sourcing/Products-Laboratory-Services.aspx
(n.d.). Medicus Health Mobile Fixed Speed Centrifuge, 6 Place. Fisher Scientific. Retrieved March 9, 2025, from https://www.fishersci.com/shop/products/mobile-centrifuge-w-12vcharger/NC1017909
(n.d.). Mobile Phlebotomy Services: Equipment and Supplies for Starting a Lucrative Business. Needle Tube. Retrieved March 9, 2025, from https://www.needle.tube/resources-11/mobile-phlebotomy-services-equipment-and-supplies-for-starting-a-lucrative-business
(n.d.). Specimen Storage and Shipping Guidance. CDC. Retrieved March 9, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/laboratory/specimen-submission/pdf/specimen-packing-and-shipping-guidance-infectious-diseases-laboratories.pdf
(2023, February 13). Chain of Custody. National Library Of Medicine. Retrieved March 9, 2025, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551677/
(2025, January 23). What Is Vasovagal Syncope? Health. Retrieved March 12, 2025, from https://www.health.com/condition/heart-disease/vasovagal-syncope
(n.d.). Business registration and licensing guidance. Small Business Administration. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.sba.gov/
(n.d.). Job Safety and Health. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.osha.gov/
(n.d.). Telehealth and mobile phlebotomy trends. National Home Health Care Association. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.americantelemed.org/
(n.d.). Home healthcare partnerships and industry growth. National Home Health Care Association:. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://nahc.org/