Phlebotomy and Specimen Collection Flashcards
6 cards from real CCMA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Phlebotomy and Specimen Collection flashcards as text
Which tube color is used when collecting a sample for a complete blood count (CBC)?
Answer: Lavender/purple top (EDTA)
The lavender/purple top tube contains EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), which preserves blood cell morphology and is required for CBC testing.
What is the purpose of releasing the tourniquet before withdrawing the needle during venipuncture?
Answer: To prevent a hematoma from forming at the puncture site
Releasing the tourniquet before withdrawing the needle prevents blood from continuing to flow under pressure into surrounding tissues, which would cause a hematoma.
Which of the following veins is most commonly used for routine venipuncture?
Answer: Median cubital vein
The median cubital vein in the antecubital fossa is the preferred site for venipuncture due to its size, stability, and accessibility.
A fasting blood glucose specimen must be collected after the patient has fasted for at least:
Answer: 8 hours
A fasting blood glucose requires a minimum 8-hour fast (no food or caloric beverages) to ensure baseline glucose levels unaffected by recent food intake.
What does 'hemolysis' mean in the context of blood specimen collection?
Answer: Destruction of red blood cells releasing intracellular contents
Hemolysis is the rupture or destruction of red blood cells, releasing their contents (especially potassium and hemoglobin) into the serum, which can interfere with many lab tests.
When using a syringe for venipuncture, which of the following is the correct step after withdrawing blood?
Answer: Transfer blood into collection tubes using a blood transfer device
Blood drawn via syringe must be transferred into collection tubes using a safety blood transfer device to maintain specimen quality and prevent needlestick injuries.