PCT Phlebotomy 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which vein is considered the FIRST choice for routine venipuncture in adults?
- Cephalic vein
- Median cubital vein (Correct answer)
- Basilic vein
- Dorsal hand vein
Correct answer: Median cubital vein
The median cubital vein is preferred because it is large, well-anchored, and least likely to roll or bruise.
Question 2: A patient's blood culture requires two sets of draws. What is the correct sequence for filling the bottles?
- Aerobic first, then anaerobic (Correct answer)
- Anaerobic first, then aerobic
- Either order is acceptable
- Only one bottle is needed per draw
Correct answer: Aerobic first, then anaerobic
Aerobic bottles are filled first to match the ambient air present in the needle/tubing before anaerobic conditions are introduced.
Question 3: The recommended angle of needle insertion for routine venipuncture is:
- 5–10 degrees
- 15–30 degrees (Correct answer)
- 45 degrees
- 60–90 degrees
Correct answer: 15–30 degrees
A 15–30 degree angle allows the needle to enter the vein without passing through the posterior wall.
Question 4: Which tube additive is found in the royal blue (no additive) tube used for trace-element testing?
- EDTA
- Sodium citrate
- No additive; tube is metal-free (Correct answer)
- Heparin
Correct answer: No additive; tube is metal-free
Royal blue tubes without additive are manufactured from metal-free materials to prevent contamination of trace-element samples.
Question 5: When a patient reports feeling faint during venipuncture, the PCT should FIRST:
- Complete the draw as quickly as possible
- Remove the needle and apply pressure (Correct answer)
- Tilt the chair back and apply a cold compress
- Call the physician immediately
Correct answer: Remove the needle and apply pressure
The needle must be removed immediately to prevent injury if the patient loses consciousness or moves involuntarily.
Question 6: Which of the following is the CORRECT order of draw for evacuated tubes?
- Gold/SST → Light blue → Lavender → Green
- Light blue → Gold/SST → Green → Lavender (Correct answer)
- Lavender → Green → Gold/SST → Light blue
- Green → Lavender → Light blue → Gold/SST
Correct answer: Light blue → Gold/SST → Green → Lavender
CLSI order of draw places sodium citrate (light blue) immediately after sterile/blood culture collections, before serum and plasma tubes.
Question 7: A specimen labeled 'stat' should be delivered to the lab within:
- 60 minutes
- 30 minutes (Correct answer)
- 45 minutes
- 2 hours
Correct answer: 30 minutes
Stat specimens require delivery to the laboratory within 30 minutes to ensure timely results for urgent clinical decisions.
PCT Phlebotomy 2
Which vein is considered the FIRST choice for routine venipuncture in adults?