Description: This webinar examines the relationship between errors in phlebotomy procedures and patient result outcomes. Phlebotomy is a skill performed by highly qualified individuals (such as MLAs or Nurses) to procure patient blood samples for laboratory testing. There are several steps included in the phlebotomy process, and if an error arises during this stage, upon sample testing the patient results can be erroneous. This presentation aims to present 4 case studies within Clinical Chemistry and Hematology laboratories, to examine the relationship between phlebotomy procedure errors and the effects on patient results. It aims to foster further communication and collaboration between those testing the patient samples (Medical Laboratory Technologists) and those performing phlebotomy and specimen collection (Medical Laboratory Assistants/Technicians and Nurses) for better patient healthcare outcomes in the future.

Start date: Upon registration

Completion: Up to 52 weeks

At the end of this webinar you will be able to:

• Identify common sources of phlebotomy related pre-analytical laboratory errors
• Relate erroneous pre-analytical sample collection techniques to discrepant result outcomes
• Understand the benefits of continued collaboration and communication between healthcare roles in reducing phlebotomy related errors

Speaker: Meghan Nicholls HBSc., MLT. Assistant Professor (Medical Laboratory Sciences)

Meghan Nicholls is a liscenced Medical Laboratory Technologist and an Assistant Professor of Medical Laboratory Sciences at The Michener Institute of Education at UHN. Meghan began her career as an MLT working in the Clinical Biochemistry laboratory at Mount Sinai Hospital, before expanding her work into the Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) and Hematology departments. Her passion for continuous improvement and innovation during her time as a bench technologist sparked her interest in education. Meghan aims to encourage her students to develop an appreciation for troubleshooting/problem solving, and emphasizes the importance of collaboration and empathy towards fellow healthcare providers, allowing for patient-centered care.

Recorded: October 14, 2023

PEP hours: 1.0

CPS credits: 0

*Note: PEP hours and/or CPS credits will only be awarded upon successful completion of the quiz.