National Certified Phlebotomy Technician General Flashcards

What is the primary role of albumin in the blood?

Answer: Maintaining osmotic pressure and transporting substances

Albumin is the most abundant plasma protein, responsible for maintaining colloidal osmotic pressure (preventing fluid from leaking out of blood vessels) and transporting various substances.

The ABO blood typing system classifies blood based on the presence of which molecules on red blood cell surfaces?

Answer: Antigen molecules (A and/or B)

ABO blood types are determined by the presence or absence of A and B antigens on the surface of red blood cells, along with corresponding antibodies in the plasma.

What does the term 'hemostasis' refer to?

Answer: The process of stopping bleeding through blood vessel repair and clot formation

Hemostasis is the body's physiological process of stopping bleeding at an injury site through vascular constriction, platelet plug formation, and the coagulation cascade.

Which part of the circulatory system has the thinnest walls to allow gas and nutrient exchange?

Answer: Capillaries

Capillaries have walls only one cell thick (single layer of endothelium), allowing diffusion of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste products between blood and tissues.

What is the normal total white blood cell count range for an adult?

Answer: 4,500 - 11,000 per microliter

The normal adult WBC count ranges from 4,500 to 11,000 per microliter of blood. Elevated counts may indicate infection, while decreased counts suggest immune compromise.

A phlebotomist must understand anatomy to avoid which dangerous structure located near the basilic vein?

Answer: The brachial artery and median nerve

The brachial artery and median nerve run close to the basilic vein in the medial antecubital fossa, making it the riskiest common venipuncture site.