Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam Specimen Collection 5

Question 1

Which condition is a contraindication for venipuncture from a specific arm?

Accepted Answer

Presence of a functioning dialysis fistula (AV fistula)

Answer

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.

Question 2

What is the purpose of a clot activator additive (found in SST/red-top tubes)?

Accepted Answer

Speed up the natural clotting process to yield serum faster

Answer

Clot activators (silica particles) accelerate coagulation so serum can be separated from the clot more quickly after centrifugation.

Question 3

A phlebotomist notices a hard, cord-like feel along the vein. What does this suggest?

Accepted Answer

Sclerosis or scarring of the vein from repeated venipuncture or IV therapy

Answer

A cord-like, indurated vein indicates sclerosis (scar tissue), making it a poor choice for venipuncture due to difficult access and unreliable flow.

Question 4

Which of the following tests requires a fasting specimen for accurate results?

Accepted Answer

Fasting lipid panel

Answer

A fasting lipid panel (triglycerides, LDL calculated) requires 9–12 hours of fasting because recent food intake significantly elevates triglycerides.

Question 5

What does a 'short draw' in a coagulation tube cause?

Accepted Answer

Falsely prolonged PT/aPTT due to excess anticoagulant relative to blood volume

Answer

Underfilling a citrate tube leaves excess anticoagulant relative to blood, falsely prolonging clotting times.

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