NCCT Quality, Law, and Ethics 2

Question 1

What does the term 'chain of custody' mean in phlebotomy?

Accepted Answer

A documented trail tracking a specimen from collection through testing to ensure legal integrity

Answer

The order in which tubes are drawn during venipuncture

Answer

The hierarchy of authority in a laboratory

Answer

The process of labeling tubes at the bedside

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of a preanalytical error?

Accepted Answer

Drawing blood from a site above an active IV line

Answer

Incorrect calculation by the laboratory analyzer

Answer

Clerical error in transcribing results to the patient chart

Answer

Improper calibration of the testing instrument

Question 3

What does HIPAA require regarding the sharing of patient laboratory results?

Accepted Answer

Results can only be shared with authorized individuals as defined by the patient's consent

Answer

Results can be shared with anyone who asks

Answer

Results must be posted on a public board for transparency

Answer

Results can be shared with the patient's family without restriction

Question 4

What is the purpose of quality control (QC) in the phlebotomy laboratory?

Accepted Answer

To monitor the accuracy and reliability of testing procedures using known standards

Answer

To increase the speed of specimen processing

Answer

To reduce the cost of laboratory supplies

Answer

To track employee attendance

Question 5

A phlebotomist discovers that a coworker has been falsifying specimen collection times. What is the appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Report the issue to a supervisor immediately

Answer

Ignore it as it is not a serious issue

Answer

Confront the coworker privately and ask them to stop

Answer

Help the coworker falsify times to maintain workplace harmony

Question 6

What does the legal term 'informed consent' mean in the context of phlebotomy?

Accepted Answer

The patient is given adequate information about the procedure and voluntarily agrees to it

Answer

The patient signs a form without needing an explanation

Answer

The physician gives consent on behalf of the patient

Answer

The laboratory gives permission to perform the test