CCMA Phlebotomy Procedures 2

Question 1

A tourniquet should be released within how many minutes of application to prevent hemoconcentration?

Accepted Answer

1 minute

Answer

The tourniquet should be applied no longer than 1 minute to prevent hemoconcentration and hemolysis, which can falsify laboratory results.

Question 2

Which gauge needle is most commonly used for routine adult venipuncture?

Accepted Answer

21–22 gauge

Answer

21–22 gauge needles are standard for routine adult venipuncture, providing adequate flow without excessive trauma to the vein or hemolysis.

Question 3

Which of the following patients should have the antecubital vein avoided for venipuncture?

Accepted Answer

A patient with a dialysis fistula in the left arm

Answer

Venipuncture in an arm with a dialysis arteriovenous (AV) fistula is contraindicated, as it risks damaging the fistula and compromising dialysis access, which can be life-threatening.

Question 4

The gray-top (fluoride/oxalate) tube is specifically required for which laboratory test?

Accepted Answer

Whole blood glucose testing

Answer

The gray-top tube contains sodium fluoride (a glycolytic inhibitor) that prevents continued glucose metabolism after collection, preserving accurate blood glucose levels.

Question 5

When drawing multiple tubes during a single venipuncture, which tube must be drawn BEFORE the SST (gold) tube?

Accepted Answer

Sodium citrate (light blue) tube

Answer

The light blue (sodium citrate) tube must be drawn before the SST because citrate tubes require a precise 9:1 blood-to-anticoagulant ratio, which can be disrupted by carryover from SST clot activator.

CCMA - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Practice Test

CCMA - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Practice Test

CCMA Phlebotomy Procedures 2