Phlebotomy Fundamentals 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 Phlebotomy Fundamentals flashcards as text
A specimen is hemolyzed. Which test result is MOST likely to be falsely elevated?
Answer: Potassium
Red blood cells contain high concentrations of potassium, so hemolysis releases intracellular potassium and falsely elevates serum potassium levels.
What is the maximum number of venipuncture attempts a phlebotomist should make on a single patient?
Answer: Two attempts
Most facilities limit phlebotomists to two attempts, after which a more experienced collector or alternate method should be used.
Which antiseptic is the GOLD STANDARD for skin preparation before blood culture collection?
Answer: Povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine gluconate
Chlorhexidine gluconate or povidone-iodine provides the broad-spectrum antimicrobial coverage needed to prevent contamination of blood cultures.
What does the acronym 'CLSI' stand for in the context of phlebotomy standards?
Answer: Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute
CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) publishes evidence-based guidelines including the order of draw and specimen collection standards.
A chain of custody specimen is required. Which step is MOST critical?
Answer: Documenting every person who handles the specimen and maintaining an unbroken seal
Chain of custody requires documented, unbroken transfer records to ensure the specimen has not been tampered with, critical for legal and forensic samples.
When collecting a timed specimen such as a 2-hour postprandial glucose, what information MUST be recorded?
Answer: The exact time of collection and the time the meal was consumed
Timed specimens require both the meal time and collection time to accurately calculate the postprandial interval and interpret results correctly.
Which of the following is a sign that the needle has passed THROUGH the vein during venipuncture?
Answer: No blood return and a hematoma begins to form
When the needle exits the posterior wall of the vein, blood leaks into surrounding tissue causing a hematoma with no flow into the collection tube.