CPCT Phlebotomy and Specimen Collection 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of inverting blood collection tubes after drawing blood?
- To separate serum from cells
- To mix the blood with tube additives (Correct answer)
- To prevent clot formation in all tubes
- To activate the gel separator
Correct answer: To mix the blood with tube additives
Gently inverting tubes mixes the blood with the additives (such as anticoagulants or clot activators) to ensure proper specimen integrity.
Question 2: Which type of specimen collection device is used for capillary blood collection from a fingerstick?
- Vacutainer
- Butterfly needle
- Lancet (Correct answer)
- Syringe
Correct answer: Lancet
A lancet is used to puncture the skin for capillary blood collection via fingerstick or heelstick procedures.
Question 3: A patient's blood sample shows hemolysis. Which of the following could be a cause?
- Using a large-bore needle
- Collecting blood from a warm site
- Using a small-gauge needle with a syringe (Correct answer)
- Labeling the tube before collection
Correct answer: Using a small-gauge needle with a syringe
Using a small-gauge needle with a syringe can cause hemolysis because the narrow lumen creates shear forces that rupture red blood cells.
Question 4: Where is the preferred site for a heelstick procedure in newborns?
- Center of the heel
- Lateral or medial plantar surface of the heel (Correct answer)
- Posterior curve of the heel
- The big toe
Correct answer: Lateral or medial plantar surface of the heel
The lateral or medial plantar surface of the heel is preferred for heelsticks because it avoids bone, nerves, and major blood vessels.
Question 5: What should be done if a patient faints (syncope) during a blood draw?
- Continue collecting the sample quickly
- Remove the needle, apply pressure, and lower the patient's head (Correct answer)
- Apply a cold compress and keep the needle in place
- Ask the patient to take deep breaths while continuing the draw
Correct answer: Remove the needle, apply pressure, and lower the patient's head
The needle must be removed immediately to prevent injury, pressure applied to stop bleeding, and the patient's head lowered to restore cerebral blood flow.
Question 6: Which of the following is an absolute contraindication for venipuncture at a specific site?
- Patient has small veins
- Site has an IV line infusing fluids (Correct answer)
- Patient expresses mild discomfort
- Site was used 24 hours ago
Correct answer: Site has an IV line infusing fluids
Drawing blood from an arm with an IV infusion can dilute the sample and produce inaccurate results; the IV must be stopped for at least 2 minutes or the opposite arm used.
Question 7: How many times should a skin puncture site be wiped with an alcohol swab before the procedure?
- Once in a circular outward motion (Correct answer)
- Twice in the same direction
- Once in an inward circular motion
- Three times with fresh swabs
Correct answer: Once in a circular outward motion
The site should be cleaned once using a circular outward motion with a 70% isopropyl alcohol swab, then allowed to air dry to ensure antisepsis.
CPCT Phlebotomy and Specimen Collection 2
What is the purpose of inverting blood collection tubes after drawing blood?