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Learn more about Cannulation
Insertion of a tube in the human body for the purpose of removing or inserting of fluids is defined as cannulation. Cannula is the tube which is used for this purpose. It becomes the job of a phlebotomist if the fluid so drawn happens to be blood. People who do this procedure are trained professionals with a phlebotomy certification. Cannulations can be categorized into four types and these include:

* IV Cannulation
* Nasal Cannulation
* Oral Cannulation
* Oral-nasal Cannulation

Cannula which is a tube is inserted in the veins of the patient for the purpose of taking blood samples in IV Cannulation. Techniques of safe, painless IV Cannulation is taught to students in Phlebotomy training schools and adequate training provided. Inserting tubes to control flow of gases like oxygen in the mouth and nostril is known as Nasal Cannulation. Insertion of tube in the mouth is known as Oral Cannulation. A trained phlebotomist draws blood from human body using cannulation and this is done with lab technicians and the procedure is used for diagnosing diseases. The professionals who are certified to perform this procedure have extensive coursework and practical experience working with patients. The various facts about human body and the different techniques that are used for drawing blood and the complications that may occur during the process are also learned. Laboratories and hospitals that employ people for the purpose of drawing blood insist on a phlebotomy certification. This ensures quality and the patient is also assured that a person trained in phlebotomy training school is doing the procedure.

There has been immense research done on Cannulation technique as a subject. In spite of a lot of techniques that are already in use the search for the most perfect one is an ongoing process. All the techniques that are used in various parts of the body are taught to students in Phlebotomy tech schools. The student will learn how to position themselves and cushion the body of the patient in a comfortable way and then find an artery or vein and then puncture it with a needle to draw blood.

There are different kinds of punctures and various types of cannula are used for this purpose. The phlebotomy schools teach students the use of different types of cannula. Complications though rare may occur during cannulation. Records of such instances are entered in medical literature and the students can use this as a reference guide on how to handle such situations. A trained person who can handle both, Venipuncture and Cannulation is only asked to do the procedures as these are specialized skill. Cannulation can be described as the process where blood samples are drawn and these help doctors and other health care professionals detect and diagnose diseases and later monitor the effectiveness of the treatment prescribed. A professional with proper knowledge and skills and who is trained in the phlebotomy school is considered ideal for this purpose. In many developed countries there are laws stipulating that such a professional must be certified from a accredited school of phlebotomy.

Written by Phlebotomy Training specialist Dr Shahbaz A. Cheema, Course Director for Maxis Healthcare who run NHS Accredited Phlebotomy Training courses for medical and non medical practitioners. Learn the 3 Steps To Become a Phlebotomist