Patient Preparation and Identification Flashcards
7 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 7 Patient Preparation and Identification flashcards as text
A patient refuses to state their name for identification. What is the BEST next step?
Answer: Check the patient's wristband and ask them to confirm their date of birth
The phlebotomist should use the ID wristband and ask the patient to confirm their date of birth as a second identifier.
Which specimen type requires the patient to fast for 8–12 hours before collection?
Answer: Fasting blood glucose
Fasting blood glucose requires 8–12 hours of fasting to ensure accurate baseline glucose measurement.
An inpatient's ID band is missing. What should the phlebotomist do?
Answer: Notify nursing staff and have a new band applied before drawing
CLSI standards require a replacement ID band before any specimen collection from an inpatient.
A requisition order shows two different patient last names (maiden vs. married). How should the phlebotomist proceed?
Answer: Clarify the discrepancy with nursing or the ordering physician before drawing
Name discrepancies on requisitions must be resolved before collection to prevent mislabeled specimens.
Which of the following is NOT an acceptable patient identifier according to CLSI GP33?
Answer: Patient's room number
Room number is not an acceptable identifier because patients can be moved; name, DOB, and MRN are acceptable.
Before collecting a timed specimen (e.g., 2-hour postprandial glucose), what is most important to confirm?
Answer: That the patient consumed the correct meal or glucose load at the specified time
Postprandial timing begins from the start of the meal or glucose load, so confirming the exact meal time is critical.
A conscious patient in the ED cannot speak. Which identification method is most appropriate?
Answer: Check the temporary ID band placed by the ED staff
Emergency departments assign temporary ID bands for unresponsive or non-verbal patients, which serve as the authoritative identifier.