Specimen Collection and Procurement Questions and Answers Flashcards
6 cards from real MLPAO practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
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What is the recommended angle for needle insertion during standard adult antecubital venipuncture?
Answer: 15-30 degrees
The recommended needle insertion angle for venipuncture is 15-30 degrees (bevel up). This angle provides controlled entry into the vein while minimizing the risk of passing through the posterior vein wall.
Which vein is considered the preferred primary site for adult venipuncture and why?
Answer: Median cubital vein — it is large, well-anchored, and has few nearby nerves and arteries
The median cubital vein is the preferred first-choice venipuncture site because it is typically large, well-supported by subcutaneous tissue, well-anchored, and relatively distant from major arteries and nerves.
What action should be taken if a hematoma begins to form during venipuncture?
Answer: Immediately release the tourniquet, withdraw the needle, and apply firm pressure
Hematoma formation indicates blood is entering the tissue rather than the collection tube. The tourniquet must be released and needle withdrawn immediately, followed by firm pressure to prevent further extravasation.
For a glucose tolerance test (GTT), a 75g oral glucose challenge is administered. When is the post-load blood specimen collected for a standard 2-hour OGTT?
Answer: 120 minutes (2 hours) after glucose ingestion
The standard 2-hour OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test) requires collection of a blood specimen exactly 120 minutes (2 hours) after the patient finishes drinking the 75g glucose solution.
What is the function of lithium heparin in a green-top blood collection tube?
Answer: It inhibits thrombin and activated factor X to prevent clotting while preserving cellular morphology
Lithium heparin is an anticoagulant that works by potentiating antithrombin III, which inhibits thrombin and factor Xa, preventing clot formation. It preserves plasma in a near-physiological state.
A patient is undergoing therapeutic phlebotomy for hereditary hemochromatosis. What is the standard volume of blood removed per session in adult patients?
Answer: 450-500 mL
The standard therapeutic phlebotomy volume for hereditary hemochromatosis is 450-500 mL per session (equivalent to a whole blood donation), performed weekly or bi-weekly until iron stores normalize.