General 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 General flashcards as text
What is the purpose of inverting collection tubes after blood collection?
Answer: To mix blood with the tube additive
Gentle inversions ensure the blood mixes thoroughly with the additive (anticoagulant, clot activator, or preservative) to achieve the intended effect.
Which of the following is a pre-analytical variable that can affect lab results?
Answer: Patient fasting status
Fasting status affects glucose, lipids, and other analytes, making it a pre-analytical (before testing) variable under the phlebotomist's control.
A phlebotomist is unable to locate a vein after two attempts. The BEST next step is to:
Answer: Ask a more experienced colleague or supervisor to attempt the draw
Most facilities limit phlebotomists to two attempts; if unsuccessful, another qualified staff member should be asked to attempt the collection.
Which term describes the cessation of blood flow from a wound through physiological processes?
Answer: Hemostasis
Hemostasis is the body's mechanism to stop bleeding through vasoconstriction, platelet plug formation, and the coagulation cascade.
Specimens labeled with a 'STAT' priority should be delivered to the laboratory within:
Answer: 30 minutes
STAT specimens are urgent and most facilities require delivery and initial processing within 30 minutes of collection.
Which of the following identifies the CORRECT definition of 'serum'?
Answer: Plasma with clotting factors removed after clotting
Serum is the liquid portion of blood after it has clotted and been centrifuged, meaning it lacks fibrinogen and other clotting factors.
What is the primary reason a tourniquet should not remain on a patient's arm for more than one minute?
Answer: It leads to hemoconcentration, altering test results
Prolonged tourniquet application causes fluid and small molecules to shift out of capillaries, concentrating cells and large analytes like proteins and potassium.