Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam Specimen Collection 3

Question 1

In the order of draw for evacuated tube collection, which tube is collected FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Blood culture bottles

Answer

Blood culture bottles are always collected first to minimize contamination risk before other tubes.

Question 2

Which condition requires a timed specimen collection and why?

Accepted Answer

Glucose tolerance test, because glucose levels change predictably after a challenge dose

Answer

The glucose tolerance test requires specimens at exact intervals (baseline, 1-hour, 2-hour) to track the body's glucose metabolism response.

Question 3

What action should be taken if a patient faints (syncope) during venipuncture?

Accepted Answer

Remove the needle, apply pressure, lower the patient's head, and call for help

Answer

Remove the needle immediately, apply pressure to the site, lower the patient's head or position them safely, and summon assistance.

Question 4

Which tube stopper color indicates a serum separator tube (SST)?

Accepted Answer

Gold or red-gray tiger-top

Answer

Gold or red-gray tiger-top stoppers indicate SST tubes, which contain a clot activator and gel separator for serum collection.

Question 5

Why must the first drop of blood be wiped away during a capillary puncture?

Accepted Answer

It may be contaminated with tissue fluid and alcohol residue

Answer

The first drop is discarded because it may be diluted with tissue fluid and contaminated with residual alcohol, skewing results.

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