ASCP Phlebotomy

Question 1

What is the recommended angle of needle insertion during routine venipuncture?

Accepted Answer

15–30 degrees

Answer

5–10 degrees

Answer

45–60 degrees

Answer

60–90 degrees

Question 2

Which vein is the preferred site for routine venipuncture in the antecubital fossa?

Accepted Answer

Median cubital vein

Answer

Cephalic vein

Answer

Basilic vein

Answer

Brachial vein

Question 3

How long should a tourniquet remain applied during venipuncture to avoid hemoconcentration?

Accepted Answer

Less than 1 minute

Answer

2–3 minutes

Answer

5–7 minutes

Answer

Up to 10 minutes

Question 4

What is the correct order of draw when collecting multiple tubes via a single venipuncture?

Accepted Answer

Blood cultures → citrate → serum/SST → heparin → EDTA → fluoride

Answer

EDTA → citrate → serum → heparin

Answer

Serum → blood cultures → EDTA → citrate

Answer

Citrate → blood cultures → heparin → EDTA

Question 5

Which antiseptic is routinely used to cleanse the venipuncture site before needle insertion?

Accepted Answer

70% isopropyl alcohol

Answer

Povidone-iodine

Answer

Chlorhexidine gluconate

Answer

3% hydrogen peroxide

Question 6

Which antiseptic must NOT be used when collecting blood for a blood alcohol (ethanol) level?

Accepted Answer

Isopropyl alcohol

Answer

Povidone-iodine

Answer

Chlorhexidine gluconate

Answer

Benzalkonium chloride

Question 7

What is the most common complication of venipuncture?

Accepted Answer

Hematoma formation

Answer

Syncope (fainting)

Answer

Nerve damage

Answer

Inadvertent arterial puncture