Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam Routine Collection Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A lavender-top tube is used for which of the following tests?
- Prothrombin time (PT)
- Complete blood count (CBC) (Correct answer)
- Basic metabolic panel (BMP)
- Lipid panel
Correct answer: Complete blood count (CBC)
Lavender-top tubes contain EDTA, which preserves cellular morphology and is required for CBC analysis.
Question 2: A phlebotomist notices petechiae on a patient's arm. This finding suggests the patient may have:
- A clotting disorder or thrombocytopenia (Correct answer)
- An allergy to latex
- Poor venous access
- Iron deficiency anemia
Correct answer: A clotting disorder or thrombocytopenia
Petechiae are small red spots caused by minor hemorrhages, indicating possible thrombocytopenia or coagulopathy.
Question 3: What is the purpose of inverting evacuated tubes after collection?
- To improve blood flow into the tube
- To mix the blood with the tube additive (Correct answer)
- To prevent tube labeling errors
- To activate the vacuum seal
Correct answer: To mix the blood with the tube additive
Gentle inversion mixes the blood with additives (anticoagulants, clot activators) to ensure proper specimen quality.
Question 4: Which of the following is NOT an acceptable patient identifier when collecting blood?
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Room number (Correct answer)
- Medical record number
Correct answer: Room number
Room number is not a reliable identifier because patients can be moved; only patient-specific identifiers are acceptable.
Question 5: The tourniquet should be released BEFORE which step in routine venipuncture?
- Inserting the needle
- Filling the first tube
- Removing the needle from the vein (Correct answer)
- Applying the bandage
Correct answer: Removing the needle from the vein
The tourniquet should be released before withdrawing the needle to prevent hematoma formation and reduce pain.
Question 6: Which gauge needle is most commonly used for routine adult venipuncture?
- 16-18 gauge
- 20-21 gauge (Correct answer)
- 23-25 gauge
- 27-30 gauge
Correct answer: 20-21 gauge
20-21 gauge needles are the standard for routine adult venipuncture, balancing adequate flow with patient comfort.
Question 7: A phlebotomist accidentally performs a needlestick injury. What is the FIRST action to take?
- Report the incident to the supervisor immediately
- Wash the area vigorously with soap and water (Correct answer)
- Apply a tourniquet above the wound
- Squeeze the wound to express blood
Correct answer: Wash the area vigorously with soap and water
Immediately washing with soap and water is the first step to reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission.
Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam Routine Collection Procedures 3
A lavender-top tube is used for which of the following tests?