Phlebotomy study guide
A phlebotomist should verify that a patient has fasted for which of the following time periods prior to obtaining a fasting specimen? A. 8 to 12 hr B. 1 to 2 hr C. 4 to 6 hr D. 24 hr
A. 8 to 12 hr
A phlebotomist is preparing to draw blood samples from an older adult patient who has small, fragile veins. Which of the following equipment is the most appropriate? A. A 20-gauge needle with a syringe B. A 23-gauge winged-infusion set with an evacuated tube C. A 23-gauge winged-infusion set with a syringe D. A 23-gauge needle with an evacuated tube
A. A 23-gauge winged-infusion set with an evacuated tube
When using a winged collection set, a phlebotomist should identify successful vein access when which of the following occurs? A. A flash appears B. The needle is at a 30-degree angle C. The needle is penetrating the skin D. A slight popping noise is heard
A. A flash appears
A phlebotomist is collecting a blood sample from a patient when the patient begins to have a seizure. After removing the needle, which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take? A. Clear the area surrounding the patient B. Insert a tongue blade into the patient's mouth C. Measure the patient's vital signs D. Restrain the patient
A. Clear the area surrounding the patient
A phlebotomist has just confirmed critical values on a laboratory test. Which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take when the physician's office is already closed? A. Contact the physician by paging or calling right away B. Leave a message at the physician's office number C. Call the physician's office on the next business day D. Fax the results to the physician's office with a stat fax cover
A. Contact the physician by paging or calling right away
If a patient's name is not located on the requisition order, which of the following is the next acceptable way to identify the patient in the hospital? A. Date of birth B. Record number C. Address D. Social security number
A. Date of birth
Which of the following actions should a phlebotomist perform to comply with guidelines for a CLIA-waived procedure? A. Documenting quality control results B. Reporting results immediately to CLIA C. Transporting a specimen within 24hr D. Processing a specimen within 1hr of collection
A. Documenting quality control results
A phlebotomist should take which of the following actions with a patient who has a Contact Precautions signs on her door? A. Don a gown prior to entering the patient's room and remove it before leaving the room B. Don a face shield prior to entering the patient's room and remove it after leaving the room C. Don a mask prior to entering the patient's room and remove it before leaving the room D. Don gloves after the patient's venipuncture site is evaluated and cleaned
A. Don a gown prior to entering the patient's room and remove it before leaving the room
Which of the following blood collection systems uses interchanging multi-sample tubes that allow a phlebotomist to draw several blood specimens at the same time? A. Evacuation system B. Hypodermic and syringe system C. Winged infusion and syringe system D. Lancet microcollection system
A. Evacuation system
Which of the following actions should a phlebotomist take first when a patient refuses a collection procedure? A. Explain the importance of the procedure to the patient B. Accept the decision and dismiss the patient C. Document the patient's refusal D. Notify the provider
A. Explain the importance of the procedure to the patient
A phlebotomist is required to make a slide for a blood smear. Which of the following is the phlebotomist's objective after the drop of blood has been placed on the slide? A. Feather the slide's edge B. Pull blood to prepare the sample C. Spread blood at a 30 degree angle D. Ensure one smear per slide
A. Feather the slide's edge
Which of the following is considered to be proper protocol by a phlebotomist who retrieved a laboratory report from the office fax machine for a patient who just called looking for results? A. Give the report to the ordering physician to review and notify the patient B. Ask the laboratory supervisor to interpret the results and report to the patient C. Tell the patient the results are in and she can pick them up D. Review the received report and notify the patient of the results
A. Give the report to the ordering physician to review and notify the patient
Which of the following is the first link in the chain of custody? A. Identifying the patient B. Sealing the transfer bag C. Collecting the specimen D. Labeling the specimen container
A. Identifying the patient
A phlebotomist should avoid using a site with broken integrity during venipuncture for which of the following reasons? A. Increased risk of infection B. Increased risk of hemoconcentration C. May damage underlying veins D. May cause sclerosis
A. Increased risk of infection
A phlebotomist is called to the emergency department to draw blood from a patient who is in critical condition. Which of the following is the applicable consent for this procedure? A. Informed B. Implied C. Expressed D. Written
A. Informed
The provider requests a stat chemistry panel. Which of the following tubes should the phlebotomist use to draw specimen? A. Light green B. Light blue C. Lavender D. Red
A. Light green
A laboratory is scheduled for a routine annual inspection with the primary focus on equipment maintenance logs A. Mechanical safety B. Chemical safety C. Radiation safety D. Electrical safety
A. Mechanical safety
Which of the following is the vein of choice for a venipuncture procedure? A. Median cubital B. Radial C. Median basilic D. Cephalic
A. Median cubital
Which of the following microcollection tubes should be filled last for capillary blood collection? A. Non-additive tube B. EDTA tube C. Lithium heparin tube D. SST tube
A. Non-additive tube
Which of the following parameters should a phlebotomist consider when selecting a collection method? A. Patient condition, patient age, blood volume required B. Patient height, patient gender, patient medications C. Ordering physician, number of tests ordered, diagnosis D. Time of day, the timing of specimen, test status
A. Patient condition, patient age, blood volume required
Which of the following should a phlebotomist recognize as being a component of CLSI? A. Quality efficiency measures B. Workplace safety measures C. Personal protection measures D. Chain of custody measures
A. Quality efficiency measures
Blood grouping and typing tests must be collected in a tube with which of the following colored stoppers? A. Red/no additive B. Blue/sodium citrate C. Green/heparin D. Tiger top/thixotropic gel
A. Red/no additive
Which of the following collection tubes should a phlebotomist use when collecting blood for blood cultures? A. SPS tube B. EDTA tube C. SST tube D. ACD tube
A. SPS tube
A phlebotomist finds a patient who is unresponsive and not breathing. In which of the following position should the phlebotomist place the patient before initiating CPR? A. Supine B. Semi-Fowler's C. Prone D. Side-lying
A. Supine
Which of the following is an appropriate action for a phlebotomist to take if the patient begins to convulse during a phlebotomy procedure? A. Terminate the draw B. Put a patient in a prone position C. Offer a patient glucose D. Try to hold a patient still
A. Terminate the draw
Which of the following is a characteristic of a CLIA-waived level test? A. The test poses minimal risk to the patient if it is performed incorrectly B. The test is of moderate complexity in situations of preanalytical errors C. The test must be performed by a pathologist in the laboratory D. The test requires sophisticated instrumentation
A. The test poses minimal risk to the patient if nit is performed incorrectly
A phlebotomist should collect which of the following equipment for an ordered comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)? A. Tourniquet, multi-sample needle, collection tube B. Sterile cup, reagent strip, disinfectant towelette C. Aerobic culture bottle, anaerobic culture bottle, chlorhexidine swabs D. Lancets, microhematocrit tubes, clay sealant
A. Tourniquet, multi-sample needle, collection tube
When preparing for a blood smear, which of the following should a phlebotomist use to ensure the best test result? A. Venous blood from an EDTA tube B. Venous blood from a sodium citrate tube C. Venous blood from a fluoride tube D. Venous blood from a heparin tube
A. Venous blood from an EDTA tube
When calculating total blood volume for a full term 2-day-old infant, which of the following information should phlebotomist consider? A. Weight B. Height C. Head circumference D. Apgar score
A. Weight
A phlebotomist is preparing to draw blood from a patient for PT and INR testing. Which of the following questions should the phlebotomist ask to be sure of patient compliance with the test? A. When was your last dose of your anticoagulation medication? B. For how long have you been fasting? C. When was your last alcoholic beverage? D. Have you finished drinking the glucose solution?
A. When was your last dose of you anticoagulation medication?
A light blue tube should be filled to which of the following levels when drawing an adult specimen? A. 1 mL B. 2 mL C. 4 mL D. 5 mL
B. 2 mL
Which of the following is an appropriate technique when preparing a site for venipuncture after applying antiseptic? A. Wipe with clean gauze B. Allow to air dry C. Blow on site D. Wave hands over site
B. Allow to air dry
Which of the following actions should a phlebotomist take first when collecting a blood specimen from a patient who is semi-conscious? A. Return when the patient awakens B. Awaken the patient C. Position the patient's arm D. Label the collection tubes
B. Awaken the patient
The phlebotomist should identify which of the following conditions as an indication for a blood culture collection? A. Anemia B. Bacteremia C. Hyperkalemia D. Polycythemia
B. Bacteremia
A phlebotomist is collecting a lactic acid sample that will be transported to an outside laboratory. Which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take when handling the specimen? A. Protect the sample from light B. Chill the sample C. Transport the sample at 37 degrees C (98.6 degrees F) D. Freeze the sample
B. Chill the sample
A physician has ordered blood cultures on the patient. Which of the following antiseptic agents should a phlebotomist use to prepare the collection site? A. 80% isopropyl alcohol B. Chlorhexidine C. Iodophor D. Hydrogen peroxide
B. Chlorhexidine
Which of the following methods should the phlebotomist use to cleanse the selected site for venipuncture? A. Cleanse the site with an alcohol pad in an outward circular motion B. Cleanse the site with an alcohol pad in an inward circular motion C. Cleanse the site with an isopropyl alcohol pad in a vertical motion D. Cleanse the site with an isopropyl alcohol pad in a horizontal motion
B. Cleanse the site with an alcohol pad in an inward circular motion
Phlebotomy errors occur most often during which of the following times? A. Patient identification B. Cleansing the venipuncture site C. Order of draw D. Site selection
B. Cleansing the venipuncture site
Which of the following refers to the process of cleaning up a blood specimen spill on a counter? A. Neutralization B. Disinfection C. Containment D. Sterilization
B. Disinfection
Which of the following color top tubes will the phlebotomist need to perform an A1C, CBC, hepatic panel, and a comprehensive metabolic panel? A. Yellow and blue B. Gold and lavender C. Green and gray D. Red and black
B. Gold and lavender
A patient is scheduled for a CBC and PT. Which of the following is the correct order of draw? A. Lavender tube, gold tube B. Gray tube, lavender tube C. Light blue tube, lavender tube D. Lavender tube, red tube
B. Gray tube, lavender tube
Which of the following tube is used for a troponin collection? A. Yellow-top B. Green-top C. Royal blue-top D. Lavender-top
B. Green-top
Which of the following describes an appropriate method for labeling inpatient specimens? A. Place a computer-generated patient identification label on the lid of the specimen collection container upon processing B. Hand label the specimen collection container with the information from the patient's wristband after collection C. Have the patient write her demographic information on the specimen collection container prior to collection D. Ask the ordering physician to pre-label the specimen collection container with the patient information upon ordering.
B. Hand label the specimen collection container with the information from the patient's wristband after collection
When using a butterfly needle for venipuncture on dorsal hand veins, which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take? A. Position the needle at a 45-degree angle to the skin B. Hold the needle by the wings of the butterfly C. Instruct the patient to hold the collection tubes D. Apply the tourniquet at the antecubital area
B. Hold the needle by the wings of the butterfly
A phlebotomist has orders for the following tests: CBC, chemistry panel, lead, and a toxicology screen via capillary puncture. Which of the following should be collected first? A. Red top tube B. Lavender top tube C. Light blue top tube D. Royal blue top tube
B. Lavender top tube
The presence of which of the following in a urine analysis indicates an infection? A. Ketones B. Leukocytes C. Protein' D. Glucose
B. Leukocytes
Which of the following describes the appropriate method for inverting tubes to prevent clotting? A. Shaking the collected tubes 4 to 8 times after collection B. Moving the tubes in a figure-eight motion 4 to 8 times after collection C. Rolling the tubes between the palms of the hands 4 to 8 times after collection D. Switching the tubes from hand to hand 4 to 8 times after collection
B. Moving the tubes in a figure-eight motion 4 to 8 times after collection
Which of the following governing bodies mandates the use of safety features on the needles and the immediate disposal as one unit in a biohazard container after use. A. CDC B. OSHA C. HIPPA D. CLIA
B. OSHA
Which of the following is the proper way to select a vein for venipuncture? A. Visually assess the patient's vein B. Palpate for veins using a tourniquet C. Palpate for veins while the patient clenches her fist D. Ask the patient for her vein preference
B. Palpate for veins using a tourniquet
A phlebotomist observes redness on a patient's arm after applying a tourniquet. Which of the following conditions has formed? A. Hematoma B. Petechiae C. Hemolysis D. Lymphedema
B. Petechiae
An emergency department provider orders a venipuncture on an unidentified and unconscious patient. Which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take when labeling the blood specimen? A. Leave the specimen label blank until the patient's name is confirmed B. Place the temporary ID number assigned to the patient on the specimen C. Use the name John or Jane Doe on the specimen, depending on gender D. Label the blood specimen with the patient's bed number and attending physician
B. Place the temporary ID number assigned to the patient on the specimen
A phlebotomist inserts a needle into a patient's vein and observes no blood flow into the tube. Which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take first? A. Remove the needle B. Pull needle back slightly C. Laterally redirect the needle D. Reposition the needle to 90 degrees
B. Pull needle back slightly
A phlebotomist is drawing blood from a patient when hematoma begins to form. Which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take next? A. Disengage the tube B. Release the tourniquet C. Complete the procedure D. Withdraw the needle
B. Release the tourniquet
A phlebotomist releases the tourniquet as the last tube of blood is being collected. Which of the following actions should the phlebotomist perform next? A. Apply pressure B. Remove the tube C. Withdraw the needle D. Active the safety device
B. Remove the tube
A provider has ordered a 24-hour urine specimen with preservatives to be collected. which of the following instructions should the phlebotomist include when describing the procedure to the patient? A. Begin urine collection immediately, starting with your next urination B. Store the urine specimen at room temperature away from excessive light C. Gently invert the container after each urine sample is added D. Disinfect the collection container prior to the first use
B. Store the urine specimen at room temperature away from excessive light
A phlebotomist is performing a venipuncture when a patient begins to lose consciousness. The phlebotomist should recognize that the patient is experiencing which of the following conditions? A. Anabolism B. Syncope C. Hemolysis D. Edema
B. Syncope
Which of the following information should be included in the chain of custody following a blood alcohol testing procedure? A. The timeline of the individual prior to specimen collection B. The identity of each person who handles the specimen C. The physical and mental status of the individual before and after specimen collection D. The condition of the specimen every hour
B. The identity of each person who handles the specimen
When using the evacuated tube method, which of the following will result in a failed venipuncture if the needle is at a 45-degree angle upon insertion? A. The needle will collapse the vein B. The needle will go completely through the vein C. The needle will miss the vein superficially D. The needle will contact the upper wall of the vein
B. The needle will go completely through the vein
Which of the following actions should an employee take first in the event of a needlestick exposure? A. Report the incident to a supervisor B. Wash the injury with soap and water C. Provide consent for an HIV test D. Complete an incident report
B. Wash the injury with soap and water
Which of the following techniques of needle insertion into the antecubital space is in accordance with suggested venipuncture guidelines? A. Perpendicular to the vein at an angle of 30 degrees to 45 degrees B. With the bevel facing up and an angle of 15 degrees to 30 degrees C. Parallel to the vein at an angle of 35 degrees D. With the bevel facing down at an angle of 25 degrees
B. With the bevel facing up at an angle of 15 degrees to 30 degrees
When selecting a collection site on an older adult patient, the phlebotomist should consider that A. the layers of the skin become more elastic B. hematomas are more likely C. arteries move farther from the surface of the skin D. blood vessels widen due to atherosclerosis
B. hematomas are more likely
When collecting blood donations, the phlebotomist should ensure a patient's hemoglobin value is at least which of the following? A. 4.5 g/dL B. 10.5 g/dL C. 12.5 g/dL D. 6.5 g/dL
C. 12.5 g/dL
Health care professionals should wash their hands with soap and water for at least how long to reduce the spread of disease? A. 60 seconds B. 90 seconds C. 15 seconds D. 45 seconds
C. 15 seconds
The phlebotomist is working at a blood drive sponsored by the hospital. Which of the following is the appropriate needle gauge for blood donation collection? A. 25-gauge B. 21-gauge C. 18-gauge D. 27-gauge
C. 18-gauge
An inpatient is scheduled for a medication peak level to be drawn. At which of the following intervals should the phlebotomist perform venipuncture. A. 30 min after the patient reports taking the medicine B. 30:min before the nurse will administer the medication C. 30 min after nurse reports administering the medication D. 30 min before the patient reports the medication is due
C. 30 min after the nurse reports the medication is due
A phlebotomist obtains a 2 hr postprandial glucose test. Which of the following should be recognized as a panic value? A. 110 mg/dL B. 75 mg/dL C. 55 mg/dL D. 95 mg/dL
C. 55 mg/dL
Which of the following specimens has the phlebotomist appropriately prepared for transport? A. A red-top tube that is being shipped after clotting for 15 min and being centrifuged B. A tube containing serum that is being shipped after separation from a lavender-top tube C. A tiger-top tube for bilirubin testing that is being shipped in a clear biohazard bag D. A green-top tube for ammonia testing that is being shipped in an icy water mixture
C. A tiger-top tube for bilirubin testing that is being shipped in a clear biohazard bag
When should a PT be drawn by a phlebotomist to avoid cross contamination? A. After a lavender tube draw B. After a green tube draw C. Before a gold tube draw D. Before a sterile tube draw
C. Before a sterile tube draw
A phlebotomist is performing a venipuncture for a patient who is allergic to alcohol. Which of the following is an appropriate antiseptic to use in place of the alcohol? A. Sterile water B. Antiseptic wipes C. Chlorhexidine D. Saline
C. Chlorhexidine
Which of the following is in accordance with quality control regulations for CLIA-waived procedures?> A. Checking the expiration dates on the venipuncture tubes daily B. Recording the temperatures of all refrigerators that store injectable medications every shift C. Comparing the code on a glucometer to that of the strips with each use D. Running positive and negative controls for wound culture kits weekly
C. Comparing the code on a glucometer to that of the strips with each use
A phlebotomist proceeds to identify a patient and locates the ID band taped to the bedrail. Which of the following steps should the phlebotomist take to properly identify the patient? A. Match the requisition to the ID band on the bedrail B. Ask the patient to verify name and date of birth without the ID band C. Contact a nurse to re-band the patient and provide a positive identification D. Ask the patient's family member for positive identification and continue with the collection
C. Contact a nurse to re-band the patient and provide a positive identification
Which of the following actions is appropriate for dermal specimen collection on a 15-month-old patient? A. Decontaminate the non-dominant dorsal hand B. Decontaminate the dominant lateral plantar heel C. Decontaminate the non-dominant third finger D. Decontaminate the dominant antecubital space
C. Decontaminate the non-dominant third finger
During a capillary puncture on an adult, which of the following actions should a phlebotomist take next after performing the puncture? A. Obtain the sample using sterile technique B. Capture the first drop of blood for testing C. Dispose of the used lancet D. Firmly squeeze the punctured finger
C. Dispose of the used lancet
How should a phlebotomist instruct a female patient to collect a urine specimen for culture testing? A. Don't touch the inside of the container, clean the urinary meatus from back to front, begin voiding in the toilet and then collect the specimen B. Don't touch the inside of the container, clean the urinary meatus from back to front and then collect the specimen C. Don't touch the inside of the container, clean the urinary meatus from front to back begin voiding the toilet, and then collect the specimen D. Don't touch the inside of the container, clean urinary meatus from front to back, and then collect the specimen
C. Don't touch the inside of the container, clean the urinary meatus from front to back begin voiding the toilet, and then collect the specimen
Which of the following demonstrates an accurate collection and inversion situation? A. Draw a green tube and invert it 1 time B. Draw a red tube and invert it 5 times C. Draw a yellow tube and invert it 8 times D. Draw a light blue tube and invert it 2 times
C. Draw a yellow tube and invert it 8 times
Which of the following anticoagulants is found in a lavender-topped blood collection vacuum tube? A. Sodium citrate B. Sodium heparin C. EDTA D. Lithium
C. EDTA
When performing a blood smear, which of the following actions should a phlebotomist take to ensure a quality result? A. Hold the two slides at 90 degrees to each other when performing the smear B. Allow the blood drop to clot slightly prior to performing the smear C. Hold the slides at 30 degrees to each other when performing the smear D. Allow the blood drop to clot completely prior to performing the smear
C. Hold the slides at 30 degrees to each other when performing the smear
As phlebotomist, what is the most important step to ensure patient safety during the collection process? A. Glove use B. Vein selection C. Identity verification D. Gauge selection
C. Identity verification
Which of the following instructions should the phlebotomist provide a patient before performing a blood draw? A. Contact the physician for test results B. Watch for bruising in the next 24 hr C. Keep the arm still D. Apply mild pressure to the site
C. Keep the arm still
Which of the following information should the physician's office provide to the phlebotomist for laboratory specimen collection? A. Laboratory accession number B. Physician's NPI number C. Laboratory requisition form D. Physician's encounter form
C. Laboratory requisition form
There has been a chemical spill in the laboratory. To which of the following should the phlebotomist refer for directions to clean up the spill? A. CLIA B. OSHA C. MSDS D. CDC
C. MSDS
When performing a blood draw, which of the following actions should a phlebotomist take next after confirming the ordered tests on the requisition slip? A. Prepare the collection equipment B. Verify any diet restrictions and latex sensitivity C. Perform hand hygiene and don gloves D. Apply a tourniquet to the patient's arm
C. Perform hand hygiene and don gloves
Which of the following scenarios should a phlebotomist recognize as being acceptable in terms of adhering to HIPPA regulations? A. Providing laboratory results requested by the mother of an emancipated minor B. Providing laboratory results to the spouse of a 27-year-old patient C. Providing laboratory results to a 60-year-old patient's health care surrogate D. Providing laboratory results to the father of an 18-year-old patient
C. Providing laboratory results to a 60-year-old patient's health care surrogate
Which of the following is an appropriate action by the phlebotomist when performing a fingertip capillary puncture? A. The lancet should penetrate less than 1mm B. Puncture parallel to the grain of the fingerprint C. Puncture perpendicular to the grain of the fingerprint D. The lancet should penetrate greater than 3mm
C. Puncture perpendicular to the grain of the fingerprint
From which of the following tubes would you expect a phlebotomist to centrifuge and then separate for a serum-only test? A. Yellow tube B. Blue tube C. Red tube D. Green tube
C. Red tube
When performing a capillary collection, which of the following should a phlebotomist collect last? A. Microhematocrit tubes B. Lavender tubes C. Red tubes D. lithium heparin tube
C. Red tubes
An 8-year-old patient arrives to the laboratory for blood work. Which of the following information is required on the venipuncture requisition? A. Laboratory accreditation status B. Guardian's name and date of birth C. Requesting provider's name D. Phlebotomy technician's name
C. Requesting provider's name
After collecting a bilirubin test, which of the following steps must be taken post-venipuncture to ensure an accurate test result? A. Specimen should be chilled B. Specimen should be spun down and frozen C. Specimen should be kept away from direct light D. Specimen should be transferred to a light blue tube
C. Specimen should be kept away from direct light
A phlebotomist receives a written order from a physician to perform a capillary collection from an infant. Which of the following sites is recommended for this patient? A. The thumb B. The radial artery C. The heel D. The finger
C. The heel
For which of the following durations of time is a chain of custody form valid? A. The time the specimen is collected until the time of disposal B. The time the specimen leaves the collection site until the time the laboratory receives it C. The time the specimen is processed until the time results are reported D. The time the specimen was ordered until time it is collected
C. The time the specimen is processed until the time results are reported
Which of the following statements is appropriate for the phlebotomist to make prior to the needlestick? A. Please hold still during the needlestick so it won't hurt B. This shouldn't hurt at all and will be over in a few seconds C. This might hurt a little, but it will over soon D. This is going to be painful, but the pain should ease up in a few minutes
C. This is going to be painful, but the pain should ease up in few minutes
Which of the following information must a phlebotomist include on the label of a venipuncture specimen? A. Phlebotomist's credentials B. Ordering provider's NPI number C. Time of the venipuncture D. Location of the venipuncture
C. Time of the venipuncture
Which of the following is the primary function of an erythrocyte (RBC)? A. Fight infection B. Promote clotting C. Transport oxygen D. Produce insulin
C. Transport oxygen
A phlebotomist should recognize that failure of a collection tube to fill could result from which of the following? A. Using a contaminated tube B. Using a tube stored at room temperature C. Using an expired tube D. Using the wrong size tube
C. Using an expired tube
Which of the following actions by a phlebotomist exhibits proper handling while transporting a CBC? A. Wrapping the specimen in foil to protect it from light B. Placing the specimen on a heat block C. Keeping the specimen at room temperature D. Placing the specimen in an ice slurry
C. keeping the specimen at room temperature
A hazardous chemical has splashed into the eyes of a phlebotomist. Which of the following is the proper length of time that eye irrigation should be performed? A. 3 min B. 10 min C. 5 min D. 15 min
D. 15 min
How many times should an evacuated tube containing EDTA be inverted for adequate mixing of the blood with the anticoagulant? A. 1 to 3 inversions B. 4 to 5 inversions C. 6 to 7 inversions D. 8 to 10 inversions
D. 8 to 10 inversions
Which of the following methods of reporting results by a clinical laboratory abides by the recommended standards set by the Joint Commission? A. An in-person report from the clinical laboratory technician to the nurse B. An emailed report from the clinical laboratory technician to the patient C. A called-in report from the clinical laboratory technician to the phlebotomist D. A faxed report from the clinical laboratory technician to the physician
D. A faxed report from the clinical laboratory technician to the phsysician
For which of the following patients should the phlebotomist follow transmission-based precautions? A. A patient who has a fistula B. A patient who has herpes zoster C. A patient who has cystic fibrosis D. A patient who has pertussis
D. A patient who has pertussis
A phlebotomist drew an ammonia level on a patient, put the specimen on ice, and delivered it to the laboratory for testing 3 hr later. Which of the following causes the patient to have to be re-drawn? A. An ammonia specimen should be protected from light B. An ammonia specimen should be kept at room temperature C. An ammonia specimen should be centrifuged prior to testing and only the serum sent D. An ammonia specimen should be delivered for testing immediately
D. An ammonia specimen should be delivered for testing immediately
A phlebotomist should recognize that petechiae would most likely result from which of the following? A. Puncturing through the other side of a vein B. Failing to decontaminate a venipuncture site C. Applying a tourniquet 3 to 4 inches above the antecubital area D. Applying a tourniquet for more than 1min
D. Applying a tourniquet for more than 1 min
A dialysis patient in the ICU has a shunt placement in the right forearm and an IV placed in the left hand. Which of the following options best describes the optimal site for the collection of a CBC? A. The right antecubital fossa B. The right hand C. The left antecubital fossa D. Capillary collection of the left hand
D. Capillary collection of the left hand
Testing for blood analytes, such as glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and proteins, is performed in which of the following laboratory departments? A. Microbiology B. Hematology C. Immunology D. Chemistry
D. Chemistry
Which of the following actions should a phlebotomist take with a patient who has had a recent double mastectomy? A. Proceed without modification since the mastectomy was bilateral B. Evaluate each arm and draw only from the arm with minimal inflammation C. Evaluate each arm and draw from the most acceptable distal vein in either arm D. Contact the ordering provider and obtain permission to draw from either of the arms
D. Contact the ordering provider and obtain permission to draw from either of the arms
As a phlebotomist prepares to collect a PT, she notices the evacuated tube has clear liquid at the bottom. Which of the following is an appropriate action by the phlebotomist? A. Discard tube because liquid leaked in through a defective stopper seal B. Aspirate the liquid with a syringe prior to the needle insertion C. Select a different tube because condensation is present due to expiration D. Continue with the procedure because the liquid is supposed to be present
D. Continue with the procedure because the liquid is supposed to be present
A large spill has occurred in a laboratory involving venous blood. Which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take? A. Apply a liquid thickening agent on top of the spill B. Pour bleach on the spill and let it soak for 60 seconds C. Evacuate the laboratory D. Cover the spill until maintenance arrives
D. Cover the spill until maintenance arrives
A phlebotomist should identify which of the following actions as an acceptable HIPAA practice? A. Leaving a patient's record on a countertop while assisting other patients B. Discarding patient contact information in the trash C. Sharing passwords with a new coworker who has a stat laboratory value to report D. Discussing patient information with an assisting coworker
D. Discussing patient information with an assisting coworker
Which of the following actions should the phlebotomist perform when labeling specimens? A. Label the tubes prior to collection B. Record the physician's unique NPI number C. Include the requisition date and time D. Ensure handwriting is legible
D. Ensure handwriting is legible
If 2 mL of blood is drawn for a culture from an adult patient using the syringe method, which of the following actions should be performed? A. Fill only the anaerobic culture bottle B. Fill only the aerobic culture bottle C. Repeat the draw using a different site D. Fill both anaerobic and aerobic culture bottles
D. Fill both anaerobic and aerobic culture bottles
Which of the following complications can a phlebotomist cause by underfilling a gray-topped tube? A. Iatrogenic anemia B. Homeostasis C. Thrombocytes is D. Hemolysis
D. Hemolysis
A phlebotomist must collect a CBC from a patient who had a right-sided mastectomy and has an IV in her left arm. From which of the following areas should the phlebotomist collect the sample? A. Right index finger B. Right median cubital vein C. Left basilic vein D. Left ring finger
D. Left ring finger
A puncture of the bone during an infant heel stick can result in which of the following complications? A. Hemoconcentration B. Osteoporosis C. Hemostasis D. Osteochondritis
D. Osteochondritis
When performing phlebotomy for blood donations, a phlebotomist is required to inform the patient about which of the following? A. Type of needle used for collection B. Fasting recommendations C. The facility's legal liability D. Rights to ask questions about the procedure
D. Rights to ask questions about the procedure
When performing infant PKU testing, a phlebotomist should process a specimen by adhering to which of the following protocols regarding screening cards? A. Place in sunlight B. Hold vertically C. Air dry for 1 hr D. Saturate blotter circles
D. Saturate blotter circles
A phlebotomist should use which of the following additive tubes for a coagulation specimen? A. Lithium heparin B. Sodium heparin C. EDTA D. Sodium citrate
D. Sodium citrate
A phlebotomist should identify that a blood spot collection for inborn errors of metabolism requires which of the following? A. The newborn must be at least 3 days old B. The circles on the filter paper are at least half filled C. The first drop of blood immediately following the puncture should be included D. The specimen must be completely dried before the test can be processed
D. The specimen must be completely dried before the test can be processed
Which of the following instructions should be given to a patient in preparation for collecting a urine sample that will be cultured? A. The specimen requires collection in a sterile container B. The specimen requires collection first thing in the morning C. The specimen requires collection while in a fasting state D. The specimen requires collection after sterilizing of the genitals
D. The specimen requires collection after sterilizing of the genitals
After a phlebotomist processes a blood specimen obtained via the syringe method, she notices that the serum is dark red color. Which of the following should the phlebotomist identify as the cause of the serum appearance? A. The collection was performed after the alcohol was dry B. The tourniquet application time was too short C. The gauge of needle was too large D. The syringe plunger was pulled too fast
D. The syringe plunger was pulled too fast
Following collection of the last specimen collection tube, which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take next? A. Disengage the tube from the collection site B. Hold gauze firmly over the insertion site C. Place the used needle in biohazardous receptacle D. Withdraw the collection needle from the vein
D. Withdraw the collection needle from the vein
A phlebotomist is performing a venipuncture on a 70 year old patient who inquires about the reason for the blood tests. Which of the following responses should the phlebotomist make? A. Perhaps your provider is concerned about your most recent abnormal blood test results B. Your provider orders blood tests to screen for early detection of cancer in a patient over 55 C. I can discuss the results with you after the blood tests are complete D. Your provider routinely orders blood tests for patients over 55 with an annual exam
D. Your provider routinely orders bold tests for patients over55 with an annual exam
