Phlebotomy and Specimen Collection Flashcards

Which site is CONTRAINDICATED for venipuncture on the same side as a mastectomy?

Answer: Ipsilateral arm

Drawing blood from the arm on the same side as a mastectomy risks lymphedema and inaccurate results due to impaired lymphatic drainage.

Glucose testing requires which special handling to prevent glycolysis from falsely lowering results?

Answer: Refrigeration after collection and prompt processing

Glucose in whole blood continues to be metabolized by cells; refrigeration and prompt processing (or sodium fluoride tube use) prevents false low results.

What does CLSI recommend as the correct number of inversions for an EDTA (lavender-top) tube after collection?

Answer: 8–10 times

CLSI recommends 8–10 gentle inversions of EDTA tubes to ensure complete mixing of additive with blood.

A patient complains of tingling and numbness immediately after needle insertion. What should the phlebotomist do?

Answer: Withdraw the needle immediately and apply pressure

Tingling and numbness indicate possible nerve contact; immediate withdrawal prevents nerve injury.

Which of the following tests requires a fasting specimen for accurate results?

Answer: Fasting lipid panel

A fasting lipid panel requires 9–12 hours of fasting to accurately measure triglycerides and LDL calculations.

Which skin puncture site is preferred for capillary blood collection in a newborn?

Answer: The medial or lateral plantar surface of the heel

The medial or lateral plantar heel surface is the CLSI-recommended site for neonatal capillary blood collection to avoid bone and nerve damage.

Which test requires blood to be collected in a pre-chilled tube and kept on ice until analysis?

Answer: Ammonia

Ammonia is heat-labile and must be collected in a pre-chilled tube and transported on ice to prevent false elevations.