Phlebotomy and Blood Collection Flashcards

Which action should a phlebotomist take first when a patient complains of feeling faint during venipuncture?

Answer: Remove the needle immediately and have the patient lower their head

Removing the needle immediately and lowering the patient's head increases cerebral blood flow and prevents injury from fainting.

A test requiring plasma is ordered STAT. Which tube should be selected?

Answer: Green lithium heparin

Green lithium heparin tubes contain plasma and do not require clotting time, making them ideal for STAT plasma testing.

Which vein is considered the first choice for routine adult venipuncture?

Answer: Median cubital vein

The median cubital vein in the antecubital fossa is the preferred first-choice site because it is large, well-anchored, and poses less risk of arterial puncture.

Which situation requires the phlebotomist to recollect a specimen rather than proceed with analysis?

Answer: The specimen is grossly hemolyzed and the test ordered is potassium

Gross hemolysis falsely elevates potassium results, making the specimen unsuitable for that analyte and requiring recollection.

When collecting blood cultures, the venipuncture site must be cleaned with:

Answer: Iodine tincture or chlorhexidine gluconate following an alcohol scrub

Blood culture sites require a two-step antiseptic preparation using alcohol followed by iodine or chlorhexidine to reduce contamination risk.

Which statement about needle disposal is correct according to OSHA standards?

Answer: Needles must be placed in a puncture-resistant sharps container immediately after use

OSHA requires that used needles be immediately discarded into an approved puncture-resistant sharps container without recapping.

A 2:1 ratio of blood to additive is critical for which type of specimen tube?

Answer: Sodium citrate tube for coagulation testing

Sodium citrate tubes must be filled to the correct volume to maintain a 9:1 blood-to-anticoagulant ratio, ensuring accurate coagulation results.