Many sangs require blood in a certain volume. Many stay underfed because they don’t know how to take what they need safely, or even that they need such an amount. As med sang ‘feeding’ methods have become more mainstream, a lot of curiosity has erupted about our practices. Some query how they can safely do the same things so they can get the volume they need.

The problem with this is that it’s impossible to write a guide for this, not only due to potential liability, but because it is such a complex, technical procedure. I wouldn’t be able to do it justice. Venipuncture is actually a minimally invasive surgical procedure technically. People go to school for it for a long time. It does carry serious risk and consequences if performed negligently which I’ve covered in previous articles.

That said, if it is a topic you’re interested in, there are resources around for you to begin your study. I think it is a highly beneficial skill for sanguivores to learn and to know more about the cardiovascular system.

The first and foremost resource I would recommend is The Apprentice Doctor’s Venipuncture course. It is a certified course designed to give you detailed knowledge about Venipuncture. It comes with an eBook, DVD and a full Venipuncture kit. The best part is, it comes with a ‘dummy’ arm so you can practice sticks without having to actually practice on a human. You can find it here.

You can find another 60 minute CPD accredited online Venipuncture course here. Another online course is here.

An online course from Phleb.com can be found here.

If you want to go a step further, for $400, you can take an online class from a personal instructor and the price includes the National Exam. That can be found here.

North Carolina A&T State University offers an online Phlebotomy Technician program, but it’s a bit pricey at $1599; but you do get 90 hours of learning. Find it here.

A cheap, $20 basic Venipuncture Continuing Education module can be found here. This covers a lot of topics such as needles, tubes, vein selection, vein assessment, no-go sites, safety and Venipuncture procedure.

There is also a wealth of literature on the subject. A student study guide and its workbook can be found below, along with some other useful books for Venipuncture/phlebotomy:

Phlebotomy Essentials https://www.amazon.com/dp/1451194528/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ZgglBbN4GDK3P

Student Workbook for Phlebotomy Essentials https://www.amazon.com/dp/1451194536/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_whglBbEYB3V5V

Phlebotomy Notes: Pocket Guide to Blood Collection (Davis’s Notes) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0803625944/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_diglBbEFD2DHX

Phlebotomist: A Bloody quick guide to Phlebotomy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XT01GK6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_FjglBbDFC20MQ

Blood Collection A Short Course https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D0FG85W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_zkglBbKRK8FA1

Venepuncture & Cannulation: A practical guide https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N80H3IN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_jlglBbK7FW2PR

Venepuncture and Cannulation (Essential Clinical Skills for Nurses) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005C673HU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_TlglBbWS689EF

I would strongly recommend that you take your time and learn what you can. The best option is, without a doubt, to take a proper class-taught phlebotomy course. These are offered at most community colleges in the US. For now though, you’ve a place to start.

– A