Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam Basic 4

Question 1

A phlebotomist notices that a collected SST tube has visible clots after centrifugation. What most likely caused this?

Accepted Answer

Too few inversions after collection

Answer

Using a 21-gauge needle

Answer

Labeling the tube before centrifugation

Answer

Drawing the tube after the EDTA tube

Question 2

What is the maximum recommended time a tourniquet should remain applied before venipuncture?

Accepted Answer

1 minute

Answer

30 seconds

Answer

2 minutes

Answer

5 minutes

Question 3

Which lab test requires a 2:1 blood-to-additive ratio in the collection tube?

Accepted Answer

Prothrombin time (PT)

Answer

CBC (complete blood count)

Answer

Basic metabolic panel

Answer

Hemoglobin A1c

Question 4

A patient is taking warfarin (Coumadin). Which tube should be drawn for therapeutic monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Light-blue top (sodium citrate)

Answer

Green-top (heparin)

Answer

Lavender-top (EDTA)

Answer

Gray-top (fluoride/oxalate)

Question 5

What is the correct response when a patient states they have a latex allergy before venipuncture?

Accepted Answer

Use latex-free gloves, tourniquets, and supplies throughout the procedure

Answer

Proceed normally because modern gloves are all nitrile

Answer

Ask the patient to rate the severity before deciding on precautions

Answer

Notify the charge nurse but continue using available supplies

Question 6

In the order of draw, why are coagulation tubes (light-blue) drawn before other additive tubes?

Accepted Answer

To avoid tissue thromboplastin from altering coagulation results

Answer

To prevent sodium citrate from contaminating other tubes

Answer

Because they require the most blood volume

Answer

To allow the longest clotting time before serum tests

Question 7

Which of the following specimens requires protection from light during transport?

Accepted Answer

Bilirubin specimen

Answer

Prothrombin time sample

Answer

Hemoglobin A1c sample

Answer

Basic metabolic panel specimen