Equipment and Supplies Flashcards
6 cards from real Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Equipment and Supplies flashcards as text
Which needle gauge is most commonly used for routine venipuncture in adults?
Answer: 21 gauge
A 21-gauge needle is the standard choice for routine adult venipuncture, balancing flow rate and vein trauma.
What is the primary purpose of the evacuated tube system (ETS) in phlebotomy?
Answer: To create a vacuum that draws blood directly into the tube
The evacuated tube system uses a pre-measured vacuum to draw a precise volume of blood directly into the collection tube.
Which additive is found in a light blue (sodium citrate) tube?
Answer: Sodium citrate
Light blue-topped tubes contain sodium citrate, which is used for coagulation studies by chelating calcium ions.
What is the correct blood-to-additive ratio required for a sodium citrate (light blue) tube?
Answer: 9:1
Light blue tubes require a 9:1 blood-to-sodium-citrate ratio; underfilling invalidates coagulation test results.
A butterfly needle is most appropriate for which situation?
Answer: Small or fragile veins and pediatric patients
Butterfly (winged infusion) needles are designed for small, fragile, or difficult veins, including those in children and elderly patients.
What color tube top indicates a serum separator tube (SST) with a clot activator?
Answer: Gold or red-gray
Gold or red-gray (tiger-top) tubes contain a clot activator and gel separator for serum chemistry tests.