Course Objective: This course is designed to provide healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform venous access for therapeutic apheresis procedures. Specifically, it focuses on phlebotomy techniques using AV (arteriovenous) fistulas, grafts, central venous catheters, and ports, along with the management of associated complications.
Target Audience: This training is intended for clinical staff involved in performing or assisting with therapeutic apheresis procedures, including nurses, apheresis technicians, and phlebotomists.
Course Outline:
Introduction to Venous Access for Apheresis:
- Overview of venous access in therapeutic apheresis.
- Key considerations when selecting a venous access site for procedures.
Phlebotomy with AV Fistula and Graft:
- AV Fistula:
- Anatomy and physiology of AV fistulas.
- Indications for use and ideal patient candidates.
- Proper techniques for inserting and using a needle for apheresis in an AV fistula.
- Identifying and managing common complications (e.g., stenosis, thrombosis, infection).
- AV Graft:
- Differences between AV fistulas and grafts.
- Indications for graft use and when they are preferred.
- Insertion techniques and care for apheresis using AV grafts.
- Troubleshooting common issues such as graft thrombosis or stenosis.
- AV Fistula:
Central Venous Catheters (CVC):
- Types of central venous catheters used in apheresis (e.g., double-lumen catheters).
- Insertion techniques for central venous catheters.
- Proper care and maintenance of catheters to reduce complications.
- Indications for using central venous catheters in therapeutic apheresis.
- Recognizing and managing catheter-related complications (e.g., infection, catheter occlusion, thrombus formation).
Ports:
- Understanding the role of implanted ports in venous access.
- Indications for using ports for therapeutic apheresis.
- Technique for accessing and using ports for apheresis.
- Care and maintenance protocols for ports to prevent infection or malfunction.
- Managing complications such as port clotting, infection, and extravasation.
Managing Complications of Venous Access:
- Common Complications:
- Thrombosis (clot formation) and stenosis (narrowing of veins).
- Infiltration and extravasation (leakage of fluid into surrounding tissue).
- Infection (catheter-associated infections, fistula or graft infections).
- Bleeding and hematoma formation.
- Prevention and Early Detection:
- Regular monitoring and assessments during and after access procedures.
- Best practices for infection prevention, including sterile techniques.
- Troubleshooting Techniques:
- How to identify and address complications promptly.
- Appropriate response to catheter or fistula issues (e.g., re-accessing or changing site).
- When to escalate care to a specialist.
- Common Complications:
Post-Procedure Care and Documentation:
- Ensuring proper care of access sites post-procedure.
- Ongoing monitoring for potential complications.
- Accurate documentation of procedures, complications, and interventions.
Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify appropriate venous access methods for apheresis (AV fistula, grafts, catheters, ports).
- Demonstrate safe and effective techniques for phlebotomy using AV fistulas, grafts, catheters, and ports.
- Manage and troubleshoot common complications associated with venous access during therapeutic apheresis.
- Ensure patient safety and minimize the risk of complications through proper technique and aftercare.
Prerequisites:
- Basic knowledge of apheresis procedures and venous anatomy.
Duration: Approximately 5 hours (self-paced or instructor-led).
- Knowledge checks and quizzes after each module.
- Skills-based assessment (practical demonstration in clinical settings, if applicable).
This course will equip healthcare professionals with the expertise needed to perform venous access for therapeutic apheresis with confidence and skill, while managing complications and ensuring patient safety throughout the procedure.