Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam Specimen Collection 4

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of inverting tubes gently after collection?

Accepted Answer

To mix the additive uniformly with the blood specimen

Answer

Gentle inversion mixes the additive (anticoagulant, clot activator, etc.) thoroughly with the blood to ensure proper preservation.

Question 2

A requisition calls for a stat potassium level. The collected specimen is hemolyzed. What should the phlebotomist do?

Accepted Answer

Collect a new specimen and notify the nurse or ordering provider of the delay

Answer

Hemolysis falsely elevates potassium (K+ leaks from cells), making the result unreliable; a new specimen must be collected.

Question 3

Which artery is most commonly used for arterial blood gas (ABG) collection?

Accepted Answer

Radial artery

Answer

The radial artery at the wrist is the preferred ABG site because it is accessible, has collateral circulation, and is away from major nerves.

Question 4

What is the Allen test used for before an ABG draw?

Accepted Answer

To confirm adequate collateral circulation in the hand before radial artery puncture

Answer

The Allen test compresses both radial and ulnar arteries to verify that the hand has adequate collateral blood flow before radial artery puncture.

Question 5

A 24-hour urine collection is ordered. Which instruction to the patient is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

Discard the first morning void, then collect all urine for 24 hours ending with the next morning void

Answer

The standard 24-hour protocol discards the first morning void to establish a start time, then collects all urine through and including the next morning void.

Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam Practice Test

Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam Practice Test

Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam Specimen Collection 4