Certified Phlebotomy Technician Routine Collection Procedures Questions and Answers

Question 1

A phlebotomist is preparing to draw blood from an inpatient. Which of the following is the most critical first step in the routine collection procedure?

Accepted Answer

Verifying the patient's identity using at least two identifiers.

Answer

Proper patient identification is mandatory before any collection procedure to prevent errors. The standard is to use at least two unique identifiers, such as asking the patient to state their full name and date of birth, and comparing that information with the requisition and the patient's armband.

Question 2

During a routine venipuncture, the tourniquet should not be left on the patient's arm for longer than:

Accepted Answer

1 minute

Answer

Leaving a tourniquet on for more than one minute can lead to hemoconcentration, which is an increase in the concentration of blood components, potentially altering test results. It can also cause patient discomfort and complications.

Question 3

A phlebotomist needs to collect a light blue top tube for coagulation studies, a lavender top tube for a complete blood count (CBC), and a red top tube for serum chemistry. What is the correct order of draw?

Accepted Answer

Light Blue, Red, Lavender

Answer

The correct CLSI order of draw is critical to prevent cross-contamination of additives. Coagulation tubes (light blue) are drawn first after blood cultures to avoid contamination with clot activators. Serum tubes (red) are drawn next. Anticoagulant tubes like EDTA (lavender) are drawn after serum tubes.

Question 4

When selecting a vein for venipuncture in the antecubital area, what is the preferred order of selection?

Accepted Answer

Median cubital vein, Cephalic vein, Basilic vein

Answer

The median cubital vein is the first choice because it is typically large, well-anchored, and least likely to cause injury to nerves or arteries. The cephalic vein is the second choice. The basilic vein is the last choice due to its proximity to the brachial artery and median nerve.

Question 5

A patient has just had their blood drawn. Which of the following post-procedure instructions is MOST appropriate for the phlebotomist to provide?

Accepted Answer

"Keep the bandage on for at least 15 minutes and avoid heavy lifting with this arm for a while."

Answer

After venipuncture, patients should be instructed to keep the bandage on for a minimum of 15 minutes to ensure bleeding has stopped. They should also be advised to avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting with that arm to prevent hematoma formation or re-bleeding.

Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam Practice Test

Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam Practice Test

Certified Phlebotomy Technician Routine Collection Procedures Questions and Answers