vcc.ca
MLAB 1140: Specimen Collection and Processing 1
Effective date
January 2027
Department
Medical Lab Assistant
School
Health Sciences
Description
In this course the student will learn venipuncture procedures in a simulated environment. Students will practice the cognitive, physical and affective skills required for venipuncture in the clinical setting. Students progress through activities and assessments using task trainers, to activities and assessments with classmates as patients. Competencies gained here are applied and refined in the subsequent specimen collection course MLAB 1240. Communication strategies and professional behaviours are practiced in the lab.
Credits
4.5
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Determine specimen collection and processing requirements for commonly ordered and esoteric testing.
- Apply theory, critical thinking and decision making to the use of venipuncture and supplies.
- Safely perform venipuncture to obtain quality blood samples from simulated patients/clients.
- Describe techniques for collecting blood under variable conditions and circumstances.
- Provide instruction for different collection procedures for urine, stool, sputum and other biological fluids.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 30
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 60
Total Hours: 90
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 60
Total Hours: 90
Instructional Strategies
This course includes lectures and laboratory exercises with supervised practice of simulated venipuncture blood collection techniques. Students practise blood collection techniques on simulated task trainers and progress to classmates as patients, reflecting on their practise throughout. Lecture and laboratory exercises are supplemented with hi fidelity simulation and/or field experiences.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
B-
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Exam |
15-25 |
Exam #1 |
|
Exam |
15-25 |
Exam #2 |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
15-25 |
Multiple small quizzes |
|
Lab Work |
25-30 |
Simulated venipuncture competency assessment. Phlebotomy Journal. Lab Assignments. |
|
Other |
15-20 |
Practical exam / skills demonstration |
Course topics
- Venipuncture equipment and supplies
- Venipuncture procedure
- Preanalytical considerations and sample quality.
- Sample collection and testing requirements.
- Commonly encountered patient scenarios with strategies for successful sample collection and excellent patient/client care.
- Urine collection procedures
- Stool collection procedures.
- Non-blood/urine/stool collection and handling procedures, including sputum, breath, semen, sterile fluids, tissues, and swabs.
- Safely handling and processing specimens.
- Ergonomics for the MLA role.
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.