Routine Collection Procedures 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 Routine Collection Procedures flashcards as text
A patient's arm veins are difficult to locate. Which technique should the phlebotomist try FIRST?
Answer: Apply a warm compress to the site for 3-5 minutes
Applying a warm compress dilates blood vessels, making veins more visible and palpable.
Which evacuated tube is collected FIRST when using the standard order of draw?
Answer: Blood culture bottles
Blood culture bottles are collected first to minimize contamination risk before other additives.
A patient reports feeling faint during venipuncture. What is the FIRST action the phlebotomist should take?
Answer: Remove the needle and have the patient lower their head
Removing the needle prevents injury, and lowering the head increases cerebral blood flow to prevent syncope.
What is the correct angle of needle insertion for routine venipuncture?
Answer: 15-30 degrees
A 15-30 degree angle allows proper vein entry without going through the posterior wall.
Which site is CONTRAINDICATED for venipuncture in a patient who has had a mastectomy on the left side?
Answer: Left antecubital fossa
The ipsilateral (same-side) arm of a mastectomy is contraindicated due to lymphedema risk and altered circulation.
How long should a phlebotomist apply pressure to a venipuncture site after needle removal?
Answer: 1-2 minutes
Pressure should be applied for 1-2 minutes (or until bleeding stops) to ensure hemostasis.
When a requisition form calls for a fasting specimen, what does this typically mean?
Answer: The patient should have had nothing by mouth for 8-12 hours
A standard fasting specimen requires 8-12 hours of no food or drink (except water) to ensure accurate baseline metabolic values.