Phlebotomy Fundamentals 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 Phlebotomy Fundamentals flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of inverting tubes after collection?
Answer: To mix the anticoagulant or additive with blood
Gentle inversion ensures the additive is thoroughly mixed with the blood to prevent clotting or inadequate preservation.
Which vein is considered the FIRST choice for routine venipuncture?
Answer: Median cubital vein
The median cubital vein is largest, most stable, and least painful, making it the preferred site for routine draws.
A gray-top tube contains sodium fluoride. What is its primary purpose?
Answer: To inhibit glycolysis and preserve glucose levels
Sodium fluoride inhibits the enzymes responsible for glycolysis, preserving glucose concentration in the specimen.
How long should a tourniquet be left on before venipuncture is performed?
Answer: No more than 1 minute
Leaving a tourniquet on longer than 1 minute causes hemoconcentration and alters test results.
What condition requires a phlebotomist to avoid the ipsilateral arm for venipuncture?
Answer: Presence of a mastectomy on that side
After a mastectomy, lymph node removal compromises drainage on that side, increasing infection and lymphedema risk with any puncture.
Which of the following BEST describes 'petechiae' as a phlebotomy complication concern?
Answer: Small red spots indicating capillary hemorrhage under the skin
Petechiae are tiny red dots caused by capillary rupture and may indicate a bleeding or platelet disorder the phlebotomist should document.
In the order of draw, which tube comes immediately AFTER the sodium citrate tube?
Answer: Serum tube (red or SST)
After the light blue (sodium citrate) tube, the serum tube (red or SST) is drawn next in the established CLSI order of draw.