NCCT - National Certified Phlebotomy Technician Specimen Handling and Processing Questions and Answers

Question 1

A phlebotomist has collected a blood sample in a serum separator tube (SST). To ensure proper processing, what is the minimum recommended time the tube should be allowed to clot before centrifugation?

Accepted Answer

30 minutes

Answer

10 minutes

Answer

60 minutes

Answer

Immediately after collection

Question 2

A laboratory requisition specifies that a blood specimen must be protected from light. Which of the following analytes is most likely being tested?

Accepted Answer

Bilirubin

Answer

Glucose

Answer

Sodium

Answer

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Question 3

A phlebotomist is preparing several specimens for transport to a reference laboratory. One test requires the plasma to be separated from the cells and frozen. Which of the following is a critical step in this process?

Accepted Answer

Aliquot the plasma into a separate, properly labeled transport tube after centrifugation.

Answer

Centrifuge the tube immediately after collection without waiting for it to clot.

Answer

Freeze the entire whole blood tube before centrifugation.

Answer

Store the separated plasma at room temperature until the courier arrives.

Question 4

Which of the following is a common reason for a laboratory to reject a blood specimen drawn for a coagulation test, such as a PT or aPTT?

Accepted Answer

The light blue top tube is underfilled.

Answer

The light blue top tube is completely filled to the indicated mark.

Answer

The specimen was delivered to the lab within 30 minutes of collection.

Answer

The lavender top tube was drawn before the light blue top tube.

Question 5

During centrifugation of blood specimens, what is the most important principle to follow to ensure the centrifuge operates safely and correctly?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the centrifuge is perfectly balanced by placing tubes directly opposite each other.

Answer

Always run the centrifuge with the lid open for better ventilation.

Answer

Spin tubes for the longest possible time to ensure maximum separation.

Answer

Use the highest speed setting for all types of specimen tubes.

Question 6

A phlebotomist is sending a refrigerated specimen to a reference lab. According to standard transport guidelines, what is the appropriate temperature range that must be maintained?

Accepted Answer

2-8°C

Answer

Below 0°C

Answer

15-25°C

Answer

37°C