Laboratory Terminology and Communication Flashcards

Which communication approach should a phlebotomist use with an anxious patient?

Answer: Speak calmly, explain each step, and acknowledge the patient's feelings

Therapeutic communication — speaking calmly, providing clear explanations, and showing empathy — reduces patient anxiety and improves cooperation.

What is the purpose of a chain-of-custody form in specimen collection?

Answer: Document every person who handled the specimen to ensure legal integrity

Chain-of-custody documentation tracks every handler of a specimen from collection to result reporting, ensuring legal admissibility (e.g., drug testing, forensic samples).

What does 'delta check' mean in laboratory quality control?

Answer: Comparing a patient's current results to their previous results to detect errors

A delta check flags significant differences between a patient's current and previous test results, helping detect specimen mix-ups, collection errors, or rapid clinical changes.

What should a phlebotomist do upon receiving a critical value from the laboratory?

Answer: Immediately notify the ordering healthcare provider and document the notification

Critical values represent life-threatening results that require immediate communication to the responsible provider, followed by documentation of who was notified and when.

Which document must a patient sign to give permission for a blood draw?

Answer: Informed consent form

An informed consent form documents the patient's voluntary agreement to undergo a procedure after being informed of its purpose, risks, and alternatives.

What is the correct response if a phlebotomist cannot identify a patient using two identifiers?

Answer: Do not collect the specimen until proper identification is confirmed

Collecting a specimen without two-identifier verification risks a patient identification error; the phlebotomist must resolve the identification issue before proceeding.