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
A requisition lists the patient's name as 'John Smith' but the wristband reads 'Jonathan Smith.' What should the phlebotomist do?
Answer: Stop and clarify the discrepancy with nursing staff before drawing
Any discrepancy between the requisition and patient identification must be resolved before specimen collection to prevent a patient identification error.
What is the purpose of the 'discard tube' sometimes used with a butterfly needle set?
Answer: To fill the tubing dead space with blood so additive ratios in subsequent tubes are accurate
A discard tube (or wasting into a plain red tube) fills the butterfly tubing volume so the first additive tube receives the correct blood-to-additive ratio.
Which of the following is NOT an acceptable patient identifier before phlebotomy?
Answer: Room number
Room number is not an acceptable identifier because patients can be moved; only unique patient-specific identifiers such as name, DOB, and MRN are acceptable.
What is hemolysis in a blood specimen and which analyte is most critically affected?
Answer: Rupture of red blood cells releasing intracellular contents; most critically affects potassium
Hemolysis releases intracellular potassium from RBCs into the serum, causing falsely elevated potassium results and potentially triggering unnecessary treatment.
A physician orders a timed specimen for a 2-hour postprandial glucose. What is the phlebotomist's responsibility regarding timing?
Answer: Note the collection time on the tube and requisition to reflect exactly 2 hours post-meal
Timed specimens must be collected at the exact specified interval and the time precisely documented, as glucose levels change rapidly and timing affects result interpretation.
Which organization accredits phlebotomy training programs and certifies phlebotomy technicians in the US?
Answer: ASCP, NHA, and NCCT among others
Several organizations — including ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology), NHA (National Healthcareer Association), and NCCT — offer nationally recognized phlebotomy certification examinations.
When is it acceptable to re-use a needle during phlebotomy?
Answer: Never — needles are single-use only
Needles are strictly single-use medical devices; reuse risks patient infection, needlestick injury, and violates OSHA and manufacturer guidelines.