Phlebotomy Flashcards

Which federal regulation governs the safe handling and disposal of sharps in healthcare settings?

Answer: OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) mandates safe sharps handling, disposal in puncture-resistant containers, and exposure control plans.

A lavender (purple)-top tube is used primarily for which type of testing?

Answer: Hematology (CBC) and blood bank

Lavender-top tubes contain EDTA and are used for complete blood counts and blood bank crossmatch testing.

When collecting a specimen for a blood alcohol level (legal/forensic), which antiseptic should be AVOIDED for site preparation?

Answer: Isopropyl alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol can contaminate a blood alcohol specimen and must be avoided; non-alcohol antiseptics such as povidone-iodine are used instead.

What is the recommended maximum time a tourniquet should remain applied before venipuncture?

Answer: 1 minute

Tourniquets should not remain applied for more than 1 minute to prevent hemoconcentration and patient discomfort.

A patient refuses to have blood drawn. The BEST response from the medical assistant is to:

Answer: Document the refusal, inform the ordering provider, and respect the patient's decision

Competent adult patients have the right to refuse any medical procedure; the refusal must be documented and the provider notified.

Which of the following represents the correct labeling requirement for a blood specimen at the time of collection?

Answer: Label tubes at the patient's bedside immediately after collection

Specimens must be labeled immediately after collection, in the patient's presence, to ensure correct patient identification and specimen integrity.

Which of the following conditions would most likely require blood to be collected in a chilled specimen transport?

Answer: Ammonia or arterial blood gas (ABG)

Ammonia and ABG specimens must be chilled immediately after collection to prevent metabolic changes that alter results.