Basic Flashcards
7 cards from real Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Basic flashcards as text
Which of the following is a symptom of a vasovagal reaction during phlebotomy?
Answer: Pallor, diaphoresis, and loss of consciousness
Vasovagal syncope presents with pallor, sweating, nausea, bradycardia, and possible fainting due to a sudden drop in blood pressure.
What does 'CLSI' stand for and why is it important in phlebotomy?
Answer: Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute — sets standards for laboratory procedures
CLSI (Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute) publishes evidence-based guidelines, including H3-A6 for venipuncture, that standardize phlebotomy practices nationwide.
A phlebotomist is collecting blood cultures. What is the correct skin preparation sequence?
Answer: Chlorhexidine gluconate (or iodine tincture) scrub after alcohol, allowed to dry completely
Blood culture skin prep requires a two-step process — alcohol followed by chlorhexidine or iodine — with full dry time to minimize contamination.
What is the primary purpose of inverting a collection tube after drawing blood?
Answer: To mix the blood with the tube additive thoroughly
Gentle inversion (typically 3–8 times depending on tube type) ensures the blood mixes completely with the additive to achieve the intended anticoagulant or preservative effect.
Which condition makes the antecubital fossa an unsuitable venipuncture site?
Answer: Presence of an arteriovenous (AV) fistula for dialysis
An AV fistula is a surgically created connection for dialysis; drawing blood from that arm risks fistula damage, infection, and inaccurate results.
What is 'reflux' in the context of phlebotomy and how is it prevented?
Answer: Backflow of tube additive into the patient's vein; prevented by keeping the arm angled down and the tube below the vein
Reflux occurs when additive flows back from the tube into the patient's vein; keeping the arm slightly downward during collection prevents this.
Which federal agency requires healthcare workers to follow Standard Precautions to prevent bloodborne pathogen transmission?
Answer: OSHA
OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) mandates Standard Precautions, including PPE use and safe needle handling, for all healthcare workers.