NCCT Capillary and Special Collections 3

Question 1

Which area of an infant's foot should be avoided during heel puncture?

Accepted Answer

Central arch (posterior curvature)

Answer

The central arch or posterior curvature of the heel must be avoided because the calcaneus bone is closest to the surface in that area, risking bone injury and infection.

Question 2

What type of collection container is typically used for neonatal bilirubin testing via capillary puncture?

Accepted Answer

Amber-wrapped capillary tube

Answer

Bilirubin is light-sensitive and must be protected from light during and after collection, so amber-wrapped or foil-covered capillary tubes are used.

Question 3

When collecting blood cultures from a patient, which site should be cleaned first?

Accepted Answer

The venipuncture site on the patient

Answer

The venipuncture site on the patient is cleaned first with antiseptic to prevent skin flora from contaminating the blood culture specimen.

Question 4

A phlebotomist is asked to collect a specimen for a bleeding time test. What does this test evaluate?

Accepted Answer

Platelet plug formation

Answer

The bleeding time test evaluates how well platelets interact with the blood vessel wall to form a platelet plug, assessing primary hemostasis.

Question 5

What is the purpose of applying steady pressure without milking or squeezing during capillary collection?

Accepted Answer

To prevent hemolysis and tissue fluid contamination

Answer

Excessive squeezing or milking forces tissue fluid into the blood drop, diluting the specimen and causing hemolysis of red blood cells.

NCCT - National Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam Practice Test

NCCT - National Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam Practice Test

NCCT Capillary and Special Collections 3