PCT Phlebotomy 3

Question 1

Hemolysis of a blood specimen can cause falsely ELEVATED results for which analyte?

Accepted Answer

Potassium

Answer

Red blood cells contain high concentrations of potassium; cell lysis releases this intracellular potassium, falsely elevating serum levels.

Question 2

A patient on anticoagulant therapy has a hematoma forming at the venipuncture site. The PCT should:

Accepted Answer

Immediately remove the needle and apply firm pressure for at least 5 minutes

Answer

Anticoagulated patients bleed more readily; prompt needle removal and extended pressure prevent serious hematoma expansion.

Question 3

Which capillary puncture site is preferred for infants under 1 year of age?

Accepted Answer

Heel (plantar surface)

Answer

Heel puncture on the plantar surface is the standard site for neonates and infants because finger bones are too close to the skin surface.

Question 4

The maximum depth for a heel stick in a neonate is:

Accepted Answer

2.0 mm

Answer

CLSI guidelines limit neonatal heel puncture depth to 2.0 mm to avoid hitting the calcaneus (heel bone) and causing osteomyelitis.

Question 5

Which tube is used for coagulation studies such as PT and aPTT?

Accepted Answer

Light blue top (sodium citrate)

Answer

Sodium citrate binds calcium to reversibly inhibit coagulation, preserving clotting factors for accurate coagulation testing.

PCT Practice Test