Phlebotomy and Lab Procedures Flashcards
7 cards from real NHI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Phlebotomy and Lab Procedures flashcards as text
Which situation requires a phlebotomist to re-identify a patient before specimen collection?
Answer: Every time, regardless of how recently the patient was identified
Patient identification must occur every single collection encounter, without exception, to prevent specimen mislabeling errors.
A hemolyzed specimen will most likely cause a falsely ELEVATED result for which analyte?
Answer: Potassium
Red blood cells contain high concentrations of potassium; hemolysis releases intracellular potassium, falsely elevating serum potassium values.
What does the term 'antecubital fossa' refer to in phlebotomy?
Answer: The area in the bend of the elbow where veins are accessed
The antecubital fossa is the triangular depression anterior to the elbow joint, the primary site for routine venipuncture.
What is the proper technique for mixing an anticoagulated tube after collection?
Answer: Invert gently 8–10 times
Gentle inversion 8–10 times ensures thorough mixing of blood with the anticoagulant without causing hemolysis.
Which needle gauge would deliver the FASTEST blood flow during venipuncture?
Answer: 21 gauge
Lower gauge numbers indicate wider bore needles; a 21-gauge needle allows faster flow than 23, 25, or 27 gauge needles.
A timed specimen is ordered for cortisol at 8:00 AM. The phlebotomist collects it at 8:45 AM. What should happen?
Answer: Document the actual collection time and notify the ordering provider
The actual collection time must be documented and the clinician notified, as the delay may affect the clinical interpretation of cortisol results.
Which PPE element is ALWAYS required when performing venipuncture?
Answer: Gloves
Gloves are mandatory for all venipuncture procedures to protect against bloodborne pathogen exposure under Standard Precautions.