Phlebotomy Test American Medical Certification Association 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which additive in a lavender-top tube prevents coagulation by binding calcium?
- Sodium citrate
- EDTA (Correct answer)
- Heparin
- Sodium fluoride
Correct answer: EDTA
EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) chelates calcium ions to prevent blood from clotting in lavender-top tubes used for hematology.
Question 2: A patient's arm shows a hematoma forming during venipuncture. What is the FIRST action to take?
- Apply a warm compress immediately
- Remove the needle and apply firm pressure (Correct answer)
- Redirect the needle to another vein
- Inform the nurse before stopping
Correct answer: Remove the needle and apply firm pressure
When a hematoma forms, the phlebotomist must immediately remove the needle and apply firm pressure to stop bleeding and limit bruising.
Question 3: What is the maximum recommended angle for needle insertion during routine venipuncture?
- 15 degrees
- 30 degrees (Correct answer)
- 45 degrees
- 60 degrees
Correct answer: 30 degrees
The recommended needle insertion angle for venipuncture is 15–30 degrees, with 30 degrees being the accepted maximum for most patients.
Question 4: Which of the following is the correct order of draw when using a syringe transfer?
- Blood culture, EDTA, coagulation, SST (Correct answer)
- EDTA, blood culture, SST, coagulation
- Blood culture, coagulation, SST, EDTA
- SST, EDTA, blood culture, coagulation
Correct answer: Blood culture, EDTA, coagulation, SST
Syringe transfers follow the CLSI order: blood culture bottles first, then anticoagulant tubes in the standard order of draw.
Question 5: The AMCA phlebotomy exam requires candidates to demonstrate competency in which primary area?
- Surgical assisting and sterile technique
- Specimen collection, processing, and patient safety (Correct answer)
- Pharmacology and medication administration
- Medical coding and insurance billing
Correct answer: Specimen collection, processing, and patient safety
The AMCA Phlebotomy Technician exam focuses on specimen collection procedures, processing protocols, and maintaining patient safety throughout.
Question 6: A gray-top tube contains sodium fluoride. What is its primary purpose?
- Promotes clotting for serum separation
- Inhibits glycolysis to preserve glucose levels (Correct answer)
- Prevents platelet aggregation for coagulation studies
- Maintains red cell morphology for differentials
Correct answer: Inhibits glycolysis to preserve glucose levels
Sodium fluoride inhibits the enzyme enolase, halting glycolysis and preserving accurate glucose concentrations in the specimen.
Question 7: Which action BEST prevents preanalytical error related to specimen integrity?
- Collecting all tubes before labeling them
- Inverting additive tubes the recommended number of times immediately after collection (Correct answer)
- Allowing SST tubes to sit upright for only 5 minutes before centrifugation
- Using one tourniquet for multiple patients to save supplies
Correct answer: Inverting additive tubes the recommended number of times immediately after collection
Proper inversion immediately after collection ensures the additive mixes thoroughly with the blood, preventing clot formation in anticoagulant tubes and incomplete activation in SSTs.
Phlebotomy Test American Medical Certification Association 2
Which additive in a lavender-top tube prevents coagulation by binding calcium?