Specimen Collection 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 Specimen Collection flashcards as text
Which condition is a contraindication for venipuncture from a specific arm?
Answer: Presence of a functioning dialysis fistula (AV fistula)
A functioning AV fistula for dialysis must never be used for routine venipuncture due to risk of infection, clotting, or damage to the access site.
What is the purpose of a clot activator additive (found in SST/red-top tubes)?
Answer: Speed up the natural clotting process to yield serum faster
Clot activators (silica particles) accelerate coagulation so serum can be separated from the clot more quickly after centrifugation.
A phlebotomist notices a hard, cord-like feel along the vein. What does this suggest?
Answer: Sclerosis or scarring of the vein from repeated venipuncture or IV therapy
A cord-like, indurated vein indicates sclerosis (scar tissue), making it a poor choice for venipuncture due to difficult access and unreliable flow.
Which of the following tests requires a fasting specimen for accurate results?
Answer: Fasting lipid panel
A fasting lipid panel (triglycerides, LDL calculated) requires 9–12 hours of fasting because recent food intake significantly elevates triglycerides.
What does a 'short draw' in a coagulation tube cause?
Answer: Falsely prolonged PT/aPTT due to excess anticoagulant relative to blood volume
Underfilling a citrate tube leaves excess anticoagulant relative to blood, falsely prolonging clotting times.
When labeling a specimen tube, which piece of information is MOST critical to include?
Answer: Patient full name and date of birth (or unique ID), date and time of collection, and collector's ID
Proper labeling requires at least two patient identifiers plus collection date/time and collector ID to ensure specimen integrity and patient safety.
A phlebotomist accidentally needlesticks themselves after drawing blood from an HCV-positive patient. What is the FIRST action?
Answer: Wash the wound vigorously with soap and water, then report to employee health immediately
Immediate thorough washing of the wound with soap and water, followed by prompt reporting to employee health, is the standard first response to a needlestick.