ASCP Technician for Medical Laboratories

Question 1

What is the most important step in ensuring accurate patient identification before venipuncture?

Accepted Answer

Asking the patient to state their full name and date of birth

Answer

The most critical step for accurate patient identification before venipuncture is to ask the patient to verbally state their full name and date of birth. This two-factor authentication method directly involves the patient and helps prevent misidentification, ensuring the correct tests are performed on the correct individual. This is a fundamental safety practice in phlebotomy.

Question 2

Which vein is most commonly used for routine venipuncture?

Accepted Answer

Median cubital vein

Answer

The median cubital vein, located in the antecubital fossa, is the most commonly used and preferred vein for routine venipuncture. It is typically large, well-anchored, and easily accessible, making it an ideal site for blood collection. Its superficial location and stability contribute to successful venipuncture.

Question 3

What is the correct order of draw when using evacuated tube collection?

Accepted Answer

Blue, red, green, lavender, gray

Answer

The correct order of draw for evacuated tubes is crucial to prevent additive carryover between tubes, which could contaminate specimens and alter test results. The standard order is: blood culture (sterile), light blue (sodium citrate), red/gold/tiger top (serum), green (heparin), lavender (EDTA), and gray (fluoride/oxalate). This sequence minimizes interference with laboratory tests.

Question 4

Which additive is found in the lavender-top tube and what is its function?

Accepted Answer

EDTA – prevents clotting by binding calcium

Answer

The lavender-top tube contains EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) as an anticoagulant. EDTA works by binding to calcium ions, which are essential cofactors in the coagulation cascade, thereby effectively preventing blood from clotting. This action preserves cellular components, making it ideal for hematology tests like complete blood counts (CBC).

Question 5

What should a phlebotomy technician do if a patient begins to feel faint during a blood draw?

Accepted Answer

Instruct the patient to lie down and remove the tourniquet

Answer

Removing the tourniquet and assisting the patient to a safe position helps prevent injury from fainting during venipuncture.

ASCP Phlebotomy Technician Exam Practice Test

ASCP Phlebotomy Technician Exam Practice Test

ASCP Technician for Medical Laboratories