UK Anti-Doping unmasks the Blood Collection Officer
Blood Control Officers play a vital role in UK Anti-Doping's doping control procedure by taking samples from athletes
(Credit: UK Anti-Doping)
UK Anti-Doping, the national anti-doping organisation, is raising the profile of its Blood Collection Officers (BCO’s).
UK Anti-Doping has a team of trained Blood Collection Officers authorised to assist in the important process of testing athletes. The role of the BCO is vital to the success of the national anti-doping programme. BCO’s are trained by UK Anti-Doping to carry out this sensitive role.
Blood testing is carried out at major events, training grounds and other venues. BCO’s can find themselves at the final of a World Cup, a European or National Championship or at the grounds of their favourite team.
So what’s it like to be a BCO? Read our BCO Profile to find out more:
Name: Elizabeth
Age: 36
Background: I finished school and went on to train as a nurse at the age of 18. I then began working for the NHS in a hospital in the outskirts of Birmingham where I stayed for 10 years. After finishing here I got a job in my local doctor’s surgery where my shift pattern became more flexible. Sport has always played a big role in my life, whether it be watching it or partaking in it, so when I found out about the possibility of working as a BCO I was very interested. I applied for the role and have not looked back since I got it.
So what does the role involve? I can collect blood at a variety of events, including at a competition, during a training session, or even at an athlete’s house, however my role is always the same – to collect blood samples. I work with my colleagues to ensure this is done efficiently and correctly.
What type of person is this role suited to? The most important requirement is that you are experienced and collect blood regularly.
The Golden Rules fit nicely into the acronym FIRST AID:
First aid training – you must have undergone first aid training and possess a first aid certificate
Initiative – you need to be able to think on the spot, responding to the situation in hand
Respectful – you need to respect the privacy of the athlete, and remember that all information collected and provided is confidential
Skilled – you need to be a trained phlebotomist, who frequently collects blood
Team player – you must be able to work well with others, supporting your fellow members to complete the job in hand
Aware – you need to always monitor what is going on around you
Insightful – you must be able to empathise with the athlete, and cope with those who with needle phobias
Decisive – you need to be able to make on the spot, calculated and measure decisions.
