Free AAMA Phlebotomy and Specimen Collection Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A medical assistant is preparing to draw blood for a coagulation study, a complete blood count (CBC), and a chemistry panel. What is the correct order of draw for these tests?
- Lavender, Light Blue, Green
- Light Blue, Lavender, Green (Correct answer)
- Green, Lavender, Light Blue
- Light Blue, Green, Lavender
Correct answer: Light Blue, Lavender, Green
The correct order of draw is crucial to prevent cross-contamination of additives between tubes. The light blue top tube (sodium citrate) for coagulation studies must be drawn first, followed by the lavender top (EDTA) for the CBC, and then the green or tiger top for the chemistry panel. Drawing the coagulation tube first prevents contamination from clot activators or anticoagulants from other tubes.
Question 2: Which of the following needle gauges is most commonly used for routine venipuncture on an adult with healthy veins?
- 18 gauge
- 21 gauge (Correct answer)
- 25 gauge
- 27 gauge
Correct answer: 21 gauge
A 21-gauge needle is the standard for routine venipuncture in adults. It allows for good blood flow without being excessively large, which minimizes patient discomfort and damage to the vein. Smaller gauges (like 23) are used for smaller or fragile veins, while larger gauges (like 18) are typically used for blood donation.
Question 3: During a venipuncture, a hematoma begins to form. What is the immediate and most appropriate action for the medical assistant to take?
- Complete the draw as quickly as possible
- Apply a warm compress to the site
- Release the tourniquet and withdraw the needle (Correct answer)
- Ask the patient to pump their fist
Correct answer: Release the tourniquet and withdraw the needle
The formation of a hematoma indicates that blood is leaking from the vein into the surrounding tissue. The first step is to immediately release the tourniquet and withdraw the needle to prevent further leakage. After removing the needle, pressure should be applied to the site to control the bleeding.
Question 4: A provider orders a bilirubin test. What is a critical handling requirement for this specimen?
- It must be kept frozen on dry ice.
- It must be protected from light. (Correct answer)
- It must be placed on a warming block.
- It must be inverted exactly 3 times.
Correct answer: It must be protected from light.
Bilirubin is a light-sensitive analyte, meaning it breaks down when exposed to light. To ensure an accurate test result, the blood specimen must be protected from light immediately after collection. This is typically done by wrapping the tube in aluminum foil or placing it in an amber-colored transport bag.
Question 5: What is the preferred site for a capillary puncture on an infant under 12 months of age?
- The tip of the index finger
- The earlobe
- The arch of the foot
- The lateral plantar surface of the heel (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The lateral plantar surface of the heel
For infants, the preferred site for a capillary puncture is the medial or lateral portion of the plantar surface of the heel. This area is fleshy and has good blood flow, while avoiding the calcaneus (heel bone), which could be damaged by the lancet. Finger sticks are not recommended for infants due to the small amount of tissue and risk of bone injury.
Question 6: A medical assistant is instructing a patient on collecting a 24-hour urine specimen. Which instruction is correct?
- Start the collection with the first urination of the day.
- Discard the first morning specimen and then begin collecting. (Correct answer)
- Collect only the midstream portion of each urination.
- Keep the collection container at room temperature.
Correct answer: Discard the first morning specimen and then begin collecting.
Proper collection of a 24-hour urine specimen begins after the first morning void. The patient should empty their bladder, discard that first specimen, and note the time. All subsequent urine for the next 24 hours, including the first void of the following morning, should be collected in the provided container.
Free AAMA Phlebotomy and Specimen Collection Questions and Answers 1
A medical assistant is preparing to draw blood for a coagulation study, a complete blood count (CBC), and a chemistry panel.
What is the correct order of draw for these tests?