SS-3000
FORENSIC BLOOD SPECIMEN COLLECTION AND HANDLING


COURSE DESCRIPTION
This program is designed for health care professionals in clinical and non-clinical settings involved in forensic blood specimen collection. This course gives the student a basic understanding of forensic blood specimen collection and teaches the importance of handling specimens according to state laws and following a standard operating procedure. Content includes the collection and handling of forensic blood specimens, maintaining chain-of-custody, packaging of specimens and labeling of evidence containers, documentation, storage of forensic blood specimens, transportation of specimens, forensic urine examinations, breath alcohol analysis, and collection of post mortem samples.


AUTHOR'S BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Faye Battiste-Otto obtained licensure as a registered nurse in St. John's, Newfoundland, thereafter immigrating to the United States and settling in Southern California where she initially distinguished herself in the applied nursing skill and management of emergency room medicine.

She has essentially devoted her professional nursing endeavors to forensic science as a career choice, using her many talents to create practical opportunities in the field. Since 1983, commencing with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department in Riverside County, California, USA, her company, American Forensic Nurses, has been providing a variety of mobile forensic evidence collection services to many of the major law enforcement agencies in Southern California. As the company grew, she expanded those services to include the examination of child and adult victims of sexual assault and abuse; in doing so establishing the first privately owned American company providing mobile forensic services to public entities. Through her vast experience and forensic training, she has developed many policies and procedures in the arena of evidence collection.

Through her production company, WNS Productions, she has created and produced, a one hour training DVD, The Sexual Assault Examination: Essential Forensic Techniques and Instructional Reference Guide. This DVD and training manual are specifically designed for professionals who are involved in sexual assault investigations and who conduct sexual assault medical forensic examinations. This indispensable DVD and training manual, describing the professional collection of forensic evidence from victims of sexual assault, is widely used as a training tool in domestic and foreign hospitals.

Her commitment to the expansion of education in forensic science led to the creation of the American Institute of Forensic Education, Inc., an online educational forum, dedicated to the advancement of forensic science; presenting comprehensive professional programs authored and taught by a faculty internationally recognized in the field of forensic science. Mrs. Otto is currently president of the American Institute of Forensic Education.

She has developed other professional and informational websites related to the field of forensic science and is forever expanding her knowledge and skill in this specialty.

As one of the founding members and former Director of the International Association of Forensic Nurses; and in recognition of her achievements and contributions as a pioneer in the field, she has received the prestigious Pioneer Award in Forensic Nursing, presented by the Association. In addition to her duties as President and CEO of American Forensic Nurses, Inc she serves on the Board of Trustees of the Criminal Justice Legal Foundation headquartered in Sacramento, California.


OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course, student will be able to:

Define terms associated with collection of forensic specimens

Understand the purpose of forensic blood specimen collection

Understand considerations affecting specimen collection

Understand and implement Chain of Custody procedures

Understand forensic procedures for blood specimen collection

Understand the importance of proper labeling; handling and storage of specimens


WHO MAY TAKE THIS COURSE
Clinical laboratory scientists, certified phlebotomy technicians (CPT), medical technologists, medical laboratory technicians, military medics, physicians, physician assistants, medical researchers, nurses (RN,LPN,LVN), radiologic technologists, medical assistants,clinical laboratory scientists, (CLS), EMT personnel, students and other licensed professionals involved in blood specimen collection.


PREREQUISITES
There are no prerequisites for this course.


AVAILABILITY
Upon Demand


CE CONTACT HOURS
6-Continuing Education Contact Hours


DURATION
This course is self-paced; however, all course requirements must be completed within 6 months of enrollment.


PRESENTATION METHOD
This online course is presented in a downloadable PDF format and may include media files, (student may be required to download free corresponding media players.) Course content format may also include assignments, case studies, multiple choice and/or true or false statements.


TEACHING METHOD
This is a downloadable self-paced home study course. Interim key point prompts are included throughout the course to highlight and reinforce vital information. The Multiple-Choice course examination will be taken online after completion of all other course requirements.


METHOD OF COURSE GRADING
Pass/fail grading system. Course examination is multiple choice. When a score of less than 70% is received, the examination may be taken one time without charge. For further information regarding additional retakes of the examination, contact amerforensi@linkline.com


METHOD OF COURSE EVALUATION
After successful completion of the course study and examination with a passing score of 70%, an evaluation shall be completed and submitted to amerforensi@linkline.com


CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
Upon completion of the course study, examination with a passing score of 70% and evaluation, the student will receive a Certificate of Completion via email.


REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS
All readings have been incorporated in the coursework materials.


SUGGESTED COURSE MATERIALS
There are no suggested course materials.


OTHER RELATED COURSES
Chain of Custody, Legal Issues Associated with Phlebotomy, An Introduction to General Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), Forensic Evidence Collection in the Emergency Department, Forensic Evidence Collection in the Clinical Setting.


COURSE FEE
$29.95 (or US equivalent)
Note: Upon receipt and processing of course payment, the student will receive an email with payment confirmation, link to the course PDF file, online examination and evaluation.

All courses and materials are based on United States laws and regulations unless otherwise noted. Laws vary from state to state.


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