National Certified Phlebotomy Technician Flashcards

Which type of blood vessel carries deoxygenated blood from the body back to the heart?

Answer: Veins

Veins carry deoxygenated blood from the body's tissues back to the right side of the heart, except for the pulmonary veins which carry oxygenated blood.

What percentage of whole blood is composed of plasma?

Answer: 55%

Plasma makes up approximately 55% of whole blood volume. The remaining 45% consists of formed elements (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets).

What does the term 'phlebotomy' literally mean?

Answer: Vein cutting (incision into a vein)

The term 'phlebotomy' comes from Greek words 'phlebo' (vein) and 'tomy' (to cut or make an incision), literally meaning 'cutting into a vein.'

The pulmonary artery is unique because it carries what type of blood?

Answer: Deoxygenated blood to the lungs

The pulmonary artery is the only artery that carries deoxygenated blood, transporting it from the right ventricle to the lungs for gas exchange.

Which component of the CBC measures the percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells?

Answer: Hematocrit

The hematocrit (Hct or PCV - packed cell volume) measures the percentage of whole blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells after centrifugation.

What is the scope of practice limitation most important for a certified phlebotomy technician?

Answer: Cannot interpret test results or provide medical advice to patients

Phlebotomy technicians must never interpret test results or give medical advice, as this exceeds their scope of practice and is the responsibility of physicians and qualified clinicians.