American Medical Certification Association Flashcards

Which vein is MOST commonly used for routine venipuncture because of its size and stability?

Answer: Median cubital vein

The median cubital vein is the first-choice site due to its large size, superficial location, and tendency to remain stationary during puncture.

What is the recommended tourniquet application time limit to avoid hemoconcentration?

Answer: 1 minute

Tourniquets should be released within 1 minute of application to prevent hemoconcentration, which falsely elevates cellular and protein-based analytes.

Hemolysis in a specimen causes falsely ELEVATED results for which analyte?

Answer: Potassium

Potassium is concentrated inside red blood cells; hemolysis releases intracellular potassium, producing spuriously high serum potassium values.

Which federal agency regulates occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens for healthcare workers?

Answer: OSHA

OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) mandates exposure control plans, PPE use, and training for healthcare workers.

A phlebotomist fails to collect a blood culture using aseptic technique. What is the most likely consequence?

Answer: False-positive culture result due to contamination

Failure to use aseptic skin preparation introduces skin flora into the culture bottles, producing false-positive results that can lead to unnecessary antibiotic treatment.

When using the evacuated tube system, what confirms proper needle placement in the vein?

Answer: Blood flows back into the collection tube

Blood filling the evacuated tube confirms the needle is correctly positioned in the vein and the vacuum is drawing the specimen.

Which of the following best describes the chain of custody in specimen collection?

Answer: Documented record tracking specimen handling from collection to reporting

Chain of custody is a documented, unbroken record of every person who handles a specimen, required especially for forensic, legal, and drug-testing samples.