CCMA Phlebotomy and Specimen Collection 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient has small, fragile veins. Which needle gauge is most appropriate for venipuncture?
- 16 gauge
- 18 gauge
- 21 gauge
- 23 gauge (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 23 gauge
A 23-gauge needle is the smallest standard venipuncture needle and is best suited for fragile or small veins to minimize trauma.
Question 2: Which specimen type is required for a cortisol level that must reflect diurnal variation?
- Random urine
- Timed blood draw with noted collection time (Correct answer)
- 24-hour urine
- Fasting plasma
Correct answer: Timed blood draw with noted collection time
Cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day, so the exact collection time must be documented to interpret results correctly.
Question 3: When collecting a blood culture, what is the MOST important step to prevent contamination?
- Use a butterfly needle
- Cleanse the site with 70% isopropyl alcohol only
- Use chlorhexidine or iodine and allow it to dry completely (Correct answer)
- Draw from an existing IV line
Correct answer: Use chlorhexidine or iodine and allow it to dry completely
Proper antiseptic preparation with chlorhexidine or iodine that is allowed to fully dry significantly reduces the risk of skin flora contaminating blood culture bottles.
Question 4: A specimen labeled 'STAT' is received in the lab. What does this indicate?
- Specimen can be processed at the end of the shift
- Specimen requires immediate processing (Correct answer)
- Specimen is for research purposes
- Specimen must be frozen before processing
Correct answer: Specimen requires immediate processing
STAT orders require immediate processing because the results are needed urgently for patient care decisions.
Question 5: Which tube should be drawn FIRST when collecting a coagulation study along with other tests?
- SST (gold/red-gray)
- EDTA (lavender)
- Sodium citrate (light blue) (Correct answer)
- Sodium fluoride (gray)
Correct answer: Sodium citrate (light blue)
Sodium citrate tubes for coagulation studies must be drawn before other additive tubes to prevent contamination that could alter clotting results.
Question 6: A patient reports feeling faint during venipuncture. What is the FIRST action the medical assistant should take?
- Remove the needle and apply pressure (Correct answer)
- Have the patient breathe into a paper bag
- Lower the patient's head and raise their legs if seated
- Call for emergency assistance immediately
Correct answer: Remove the needle and apply pressure
The needle must be removed first to prevent injury if the patient loses consciousness or jerks away.
Question 7: What is the purpose of inverting a blood collection tube after draw?
- To activate clotting
- To mix the blood with the tube additive (Correct answer)
- To remove air bubbles
- To concentrate the serum
Correct answer: To mix the blood with the tube additive
Gentle inversion ensures the blood thoroughly mixes with the additive (anticoagulant, preservative, or clot activator) present in the tube.
CCMA Phlebotomy and Specimen Collection 4
A patient has small, fragile veins.
Which needle gauge is most appropriate for venipuncture?