CSC Collection Procedures & Techniques 3

Question 1

When performing a venipuncture, which site is preferred for routine blood collection in an adult patient?

Accepted Answer

Median cubital vein of the antecubital fossa

Answer

The median cubital vein in the antecubital fossa is the first-choice site because it is large, well-anchored, and least painful for most patients.

Question 2

A collector notices that a urine specimen has a blue-green color. What does this most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

Possible presence of methylene blue or amitriptyline

Answer

Blue-green urine can result from certain medications such as methylene blue, amitriptyline, or indomethacin, and should be noted in the remarks section.

Question 3

What is the maximum time allowed between blood collection and centrifugation for serum separator tube (SST) specimens?

Accepted Answer

60 minutes

Answer

SST specimens should be centrifuged within 60 minutes of collection to prevent cellular metabolism from altering analyte concentrations.

Question 4

Which needle gauge is most commonly used for routine adult venipuncture?

Accepted Answer

21–22 gauge

Answer

21–22 gauge needles are standard for routine adult venipuncture, balancing adequate flow rate with patient comfort and minimizing hemolysis.

Question 5

When collecting blood from a patient with an IV line in the arm, what is the best practice?

Accepted Answer

Collect from the opposite arm or a site distal to the IV after stopping the infusion for at least 2 minutes

Answer

Drawing from the opposite arm or below the IV site (after stopping the infusion for at least 2 minutes) prevents IV fluid contamination of the specimen.

(CSC) Certified Specimen Collector Practice Test

(CSC) Certified Specimen Collector Practice Test

CSC Collection Procedures & Techniques 3