Practice Test Geeks(CSC) Certified Specimen Collector Practice Test
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Collection Procedures & Techniques Flashcards

7 cards from real CSC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Collection Procedures & Techniques flashcards as text

  1. In the order of draw for multiple vacuum tubes, which tube should be collected FIRST?

    Answer: Blood culture bottles

    Blood culture bottles are drawn first to minimize the risk of microbial contamination from the skin or tube additives.

  2. What is the primary reason sodium citrate (light blue top) tubes must be filled to the correct volume?

    Answer: Underfilling alters the anticoagulant-to-blood ratio, affecting coagulation test results

    Sodium citrate tubes have a fixed anticoagulant volume; underfilling changes the 9:1 blood-to-anticoagulant ratio and falsely prolongs PT/aPTT results.

  3. After applying a tourniquet for venipuncture, what is the maximum recommended time it should remain in place?

    Answer: 1 minute

    The tourniquet should be released within 1 minute to prevent hemoconcentration and analyte changes such as elevated potassium and protein.

  4. Which of the following is a sign that a venipuncture has caused hematoma formation?

    Answer: Swelling and discoloration beneath the skin near the needle

    A hematoma forms when blood leaks into surrounding tissue, creating visible swelling and bruising under the skin at the needle site.

  5. When collecting a specimen for blood culture, how should the collection site be disinfected?

    Answer: Povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine scrub in concentric circles, followed by alcohol

    Blood cultures require a two-step skin preparation—antiseptic scrub in outward concentric circles followed by an alcohol wipe—to reduce skin flora contamination.

  6. What is the correct angle of needle insertion for routine venipuncture?

    Answer: 15–30 degrees

    A 15–30 degree angle allows the needle to enter the vein cleanly without passing through the back wall of the vessel.

  7. A patient reports being allergic to latex. Which immediate action should the collector take?

    Answer: Use non-latex (nitrile or vinyl) gloves and latex-free collection equipment

    Latex allergies can cause severe anaphylaxis; the collector must switch to nitrile or vinyl gloves and ensure all collection supplies are latex-free.