Cannulation is defined as insertion of a tube in human body, for removal or insertion of fluids. This tube is called Cannula. When the fluid draw is blood, it becomes a job for Phlebotomists. Trained professionals with a Phlebotomy Certification are often asked to do this procedure. There are basically four types of Cannulations:

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

In IV Cannulation, a Cannula is inserted in the veins of patient for drawing blood samples. Phlebotomy training schools, train students in the techniques of safe, painless IV Cannulation. Nasal Cannulation involves inserting tubs to control flow of gases like oxygen, in nostril and mouth. Oral Cannulation involves insertion in mouth. Phlebotomists are trained for drawing blood from human body through Cannulation, and work with lab technicians for diagnosis of diseases. These professionals are certified after extensive coursework and have practical experience in working with patients. They get to learn about human body, various techniques of drawing blood and complications that might occur during this process. Most laboratories and hospitals employ people who have a phlebotomy certification, for bringing in blood samples. This ensures quality work. Patients are more comfortable when they deal with a person who has attended phlebotomy training school.

One of the most widely researched subjects includes the cannulation technique. The researchers are searching for the perfect technique even though many are already in use. There are different techniques to be used for different parts of the human body and the students learn about this in the phlebotomy tech schools. Students learn how to find an artery or vein and then puncture it with a needle and along with it they also learn how to cushion the body of the patient and to place themselves in a proper manner through the procedure.

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