Phlebotomy Certification for Disease Intervention Specialists

Background: The ability to collect venous blood specimens in the field for the evaluation of syphilis and HIV is a core component of an STD program.  Unfortunately, many programs do not have an organized system in place which provides standardized training for this procedure.  Historically, DIS have learned from a clinic nurse or another DIS.  Our STD Program DIS and laboratory staffs have collaborated to design a phlebotomy training course in order to provide certification for DIS in Kansas. 

Objectives: Establishment of standardized venipuncture training for STD Program DIS in Kansas consists of both didactic and performance components and focuses on safety and proper techniques for collecting adequate specimens. 

Methods: This course was initiated in September, 2009 for all STD Program DIS in the state of Kansas.  Lectures were presented involving HIPAA requirements, universal blood borne disease precautions, special needs for collecting specimens in the field and proper technique.  DIS practiced collecting on a demonstration arm, collected specimens from each other and followed up by drawing blood from ten clinic patients.

Results: All Kansas STD Program DIS have received standardized training in the collection of venous specimens and have been certified through clinical training.

Conclusions: The inclusion of this course as part of DIS training for the state of Kansas should result in a higher standard of care for our patients and increased safety for our field workers.  We plan to offer this course to other DIS in the region as well as to other health care workers from community based organizations and clinics where there is a need for the collection of blood specimens. 

Implications for Programs, Policy, and/or Research: All STD control programs could benefit from a phlebotomy certification process for DIS.