Equipment Operation & Maintenance 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 Equipment Operation & Maintenance flashcards as text
What is the maximum recommended tourniquet application time before specimen collection?
Answer: 1 minute
The tourniquet should not remain in place for more than 1 minute before blood draw to avoid hemoconcentration and altered test results.
Which of the following is a sign that a vacuum tube has expired and should not be used?
Answer: The tube fills slowly or not at all due to loss of vacuum
An expired vacuum tube loses its negative pressure, causing it to fill slowly or not at all, making it unsuitable for collection.
When performing a capillary puncture on an adult fingertip, which area should be avoided?
Answer: The very tip of the finger and the areas with calluses
The very tip and calloused areas of the finger are avoided because they have poor blood flow and may cause inadequate specimen collection.
Which component of a needle system prevents accidental needlesticks after venipuncture?
Answer: The safety shield or retractable needle mechanism
Safety-engineered needle devices include shields or retractable mechanisms that cover the needle immediately after withdrawal to prevent needlestick injuries.
What is the correct angle of needle insertion for a standard venipuncture?
Answer: 15–30 degrees
A 15–30 degree angle of insertion is recommended for venipuncture to enter the vein effectively without going through the posterior wall.
Why must reagent strips and control solutions be stored according to manufacturer instructions?
Answer: To prevent deterioration that leads to inaccurate point-of-care test results
Improper storage of reagent strips or controls can degrade their chemical reactivity, producing false results on point-of-care tests.
What does a 'short draw' in a coagulation (sodium citrate) tube cause?
Answer: Excess anticoagulant relative to blood, leading to falsely prolonged clotting times
A short-draw in a citrate tube means there is proportionally too much anticoagulant for the blood volume, which artificially prolongs PT and aPTT results.