Certified Phlebotomy Technician Phlebotomy Fundamentals Questions and Answers

Question 1

A phlebotomist is performing a capillary puncture on a healthy adult's finger to collect specimens for a blood smear, a CBC, and a serum chemistry test.
What is the correct order for collecting these specimens?

Accepted Answer

Blood smear, EDTA tube, serum tube

Answer

Serum tube, EDTA tube, blood smear

Answer

EDTA tube, serum tube, blood smear

Answer

Blood smear, serum tube, EDTA tube

Question 2

During a venipuncture, the phlebotomist notices a hematoma forming at the site. Which of the following is the most appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Release the tourniquet, withdraw the needle, and apply firm pressure.

Answer

Complete the draw as quickly as possible.

Answer

Adjust the needle's depth to see if blood flow improves.

Answer

Ask the patient to apply pressure while the phlebotomist gathers more supplies.

Question 3

A gray-topped tube is selected for blood collection. What is the primary function of the sodium fluoride additive in this tube?

Accepted Answer

To preserve glucose in the sample.

Answer

To enhance the clotting process.

Answer

To bind with calcium and prevent coagulation.

Answer

To separate serum from the cells.

Question 4

A patient experiences a sharp, radiating pain down their arm as the needle is inserted. This is a potential sign of:

Accepted Answer

Nerve contact.

Answer

A collapsing vein.

Answer

An arterial puncture.

Answer

Hemoconcentration.

Question 5

When processing a blood sample in a serum separator tube (SST), which step is critical for proper specimen quality?

Accepted Answer

Allowing the tube to clot fully before centrifugation.

Answer

Centrifuging the tube immediately after collection.

Answer

Inverting the tube vigorously 15-20 times.

Answer

Placing the tube on ice as soon as it is filled.

Question 6

Which of the following situations would require a phlebotomist to draw a 'discard' tube before collecting a specimen for a coagulation test in a light blue top tube?

Accepted Answer

When using a winged infusion set (butterfly needle).

Answer

When it is the first tube drawn using a standard evacuated tube system.

Answer

When collecting from a patient with a high hematocrit.

Answer

When the patient has been fasting for more than 12 hours.

A phlebotomist is performing a capillary puncture on a healthy adult's finger to collect specimens for a blood smear, a CBC, and a serum chemistry test.What is the correct order for collecting these specimens?

A phlebotomist is performing a capillary puncture on a healthy adult's finger to collect specimens for a blood smear, a CBC, and a serum chemistry test.
What is the correct order for collecting these specimens?