ASPT Specimen Collection Techniques 3

Question 1

What angle should the needle be inserted at during a standard venipuncture?

Accepted Answer

15–30 degrees

Answer

A 15–30 degree angle of needle insertion allows access into the vein lumen while minimizing the risk of going through the vein.

Question 2

Which additive is found in a royal blue-top tube used for trace element testing?

Accepted Answer

EDTA or no additive (metal-free)

Answer

Royal blue-top tubes contain either EDTA or no additive and are made of metal-free materials to prevent contamination of trace element assays.

Question 3

A tourniquet should be released no later than how long after application?

Accepted Answer

1 minute

Answer

A tourniquet left on longer than 1 minute causes hemoconcentration and can alter analyte concentrations in the specimen.

Question 4

When performing a heel stick on a newborn, which area of the heel is the CORRECT puncture site?

Accepted Answer

The medial or lateral plantar surface

Answer

CLSI guidelines specify the medial or lateral plantar surface of the heel to avoid the calcaneus bone and posterior tibial artery.

Question 5

A patient's vein collapses during blood draw with an evacuated tube. The best corrective action is to:

Accepted Answer

Switch to a syringe or butterfly with less vacuum

Answer

Reducing vacuum by using a syringe or butterfly set allows gentler aspiration that prevents vein collapse.

(ASPT) American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians Practice Test