Certified Phlebotomy Technician Routine Collection Procedures Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A phlebotomist is preparing to draw blood from an inpatient. Which of the following is the most critical first step in the routine collection procedure?
- Washing hands and putting on gloves.
- Verifying the patient's identity using at least two identifiers. (Correct answer)
- Assembling all necessary equipment at the bedside.
- Applying the tourniquet to locate a suitable vein.
Correct answer: Verifying the patient's identity using at least two identifiers.
Proper patient identification is mandatory before any collection procedure to prevent errors. The standard is to use at least two unique identifiers, such as asking the patient to state their full name and date of birth, and comparing that information with the requisition and the patient's armband.
Question 2: During a routine venipuncture, the tourniquet should not be left on the patient's arm for longer than:
- 30 seconds
- 2 minutes
- 1 minute (Correct answer)
- 3 minutes
Correct answer: 1 minute
Leaving a tourniquet on for more than one minute can lead to hemoconcentration, which is an increase in the concentration of blood components, potentially altering test results. It can also cause patient discomfort and complications.
Question 3: A phlebotomist needs to collect a light blue top tube for coagulation studies, a lavender top tube for a complete blood count (CBC), and a red top tube for serum chemistry. What is the correct order of draw?
- Red, Lavender, Light Blue
- Lavender, Light Blue, Red
- Light Blue, Red, Lavender (Correct answer)
- Red, Light Blue, Lavender
Correct answer: Light Blue, Red, Lavender
The correct CLSI order of draw is critical to prevent cross-contamination of additives. Coagulation tubes (light blue) are drawn first after blood cultures to avoid contamination with clot activators. Serum tubes (red) are drawn next. Anticoagulant tubes like EDTA (lavender) are drawn after serum tubes.
Question 4: When selecting a vein for venipuncture in the antecubital area, what is the preferred order of selection?
- Basilic vein, Cephalic vein, Median cubital vein
- Cephalic vein, Basilic vein, Median cubital vein
- Median cubital vein, Cephalic vein, Basilic vein (Correct answer)
- Basilic vein, Median cubital vein, Cephalic vein
Correct answer: Median cubital vein, Cephalic vein, Basilic vein
The median cubital vein is the first choice because it is typically large, well-anchored, and least likely to cause injury to nerves or arteries. The cephalic vein is the second choice. The basilic vein is the last choice due to its proximity to the brachial artery and median nerve.
Question 5: A patient has just had their blood drawn. Which of the following post-procedure instructions is MOST appropriate for the phlebotomist to provide?
- "You can remove the bandage in 5 minutes and resume all normal activities immediately."
- "Apply a warm compress to the site as soon as you get home to prevent bruising."
- "Keep the arm bent for at least 10 minutes to maintain pressure on the site."
- "Keep the bandage on for at least 15 minutes and avoid heavy lifting with this arm for a while." (Correct answer)
Correct answer: "Keep the bandage on for at least 15 minutes and avoid heavy lifting with this arm for a while."
After venipuncture, patients should be instructed to keep the bandage on for a minimum of 15 minutes to ensure bleeding has stopped. They should also be advised to avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting with that arm to prevent hematoma formation or re-bleeding.
Question 6: Which of the following sites should a phlebotomist AVOID when performing a routine venipuncture?
- The dorsal side of the hand.
- The median cubital vein in the antecubital fossa.
- An arm on the same side as a previous mastectomy. (Correct answer)
- The cephalic vein on the outer edge of the arm.
Correct answer: An arm on the same side as a previous mastectomy.
Drawing blood from the arm on the same side as a mastectomy should be avoided because of the potential for lymphedema, which can affect test results and increase the risk of infection for the patient.
Certified Phlebotomy Technician Routine Collection Procedures Questions and Answers
A phlebotomist is preparing to draw blood from an inpatient.
Which of the following is the most critical first step in the routine collection procedure?