Practice Test GeeksNCCT - National Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam Practice Test
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Equipment, Tubes, and Additives Flashcards

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

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  1. In the correct order of draw for evacuated tubes, which tube is collected first?

    Answer: Blood culture bottles

    Blood culture bottles are always drawn first because they require the most sterile specimen, and any additive carryover from other tubes could affect microbial growth.

  2. What additive is found in green-top evacuated tubes?

    Answer: Heparin (lithium or sodium)

    Green-top tubes contain heparin (lithium heparin, sodium heparin, or ammonium heparin), an anticoagulant used for chemistry testing on plasma.

  3. Why must a light blue-top tube be completely filled to the indicated mark?

    Answer: To maintain the correct 9:1 blood-to-anticoagulant ratio

    Sodium citrate tubes require a precise 9:1 ratio of blood to anticoagulant. Underfilling alters this ratio, causing inaccurate coagulation test results.

  4. What is the purpose of clot activator in a red/gold-top tube?

    Answer: To accelerate clot formation for faster serum separation

    Clot activators (silica particles or glass) accelerate the coagulation process so serum can be separated from the clot more quickly.

  5. A phlebotomist needs to collect a specimen for trace metal analysis. Which tube should be used?

    Answer: Royal blue-top tube with EDTA

    Royal blue-top tubes are specially manufactured with trace-element-free materials to prevent contamination of specimens for trace metal analysis.

  6. How many times should an evacuated tube with anticoagulant be inverted after collection?

    Answer: 8-10 times

    Anticoagulant tubes should be gently inverted 8-10 times immediately after collection to ensure thorough mixing of blood with the anticoagulant.

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