Phlebotomy and Specimen Collection Flashcards
7 cards from real CPCT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Phlebotomy and Specimen Collection flashcards as text
Which vein is most commonly used for venipuncture in adults?
Answer: Median cubital vein
The median cubital vein is preferred for venipuncture because it is large, well-anchored, and poses the least risk of injury to surrounding structures.
What does the acronym 'SST' stand for in phlebotomy?
Answer: Serum Separator Tube
SST stands for Serum Separator Tube, which contains a gel that separates serum from blood cells after centrifugation.
What is the correct angle for needle insertion during venipuncture?
Answer: 15 to 30 degrees
A 15 to 30 degree angle is recommended for venipuncture to allow the needle to enter the vein without passing through it.
Which color-coded tube top is used to collect blood for a complete blood count (CBC)?
Answer: Lavender (purple)
Lavender-top tubes contain EDTA, an anticoagulant that preserves cellular components, making them ideal for CBC testing.
How long should a tourniquet remain applied during venipuncture?
Answer: No longer than 1 minute
A tourniquet should not remain in place for more than 1 minute to prevent hemoconcentration and falsely elevated lab values.
What is the correct order of draw when collecting multiple tubes during venipuncture?
Answer: Blood cultures, red/SST, green, lavender
The correct order of draw is blood cultures first, then red/SST, followed by green (heparin), then lavender (EDTA) to prevent cross-contamination of additives.
Which site should be avoided for venipuncture in a patient with a mastectomy on the left side?
Answer: Left arm
The arm on the same side as a mastectomy should be avoided because lymph node removal impairs circulation and increases the risk of infection and lymphedema.