American Medical Certification Association Flashcards
7 cards from real Phlebotomy Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 American Medical Certification Association flashcards as text
What is the purpose of the serum separator tube (SST) gel?
Answer: To create a physical barrier between clot and serum after centrifugation
The thixotropic gel in an SST migrates during centrifugation to form a stable barrier between the clot and serum, protecting analyte integrity.
Which condition would cause a phlebotomist to AVOID drawing from an arm?
Answer: The arm has a functioning AV fistula for dialysis
Venipuncture must never be performed on an arm with an AV fistula or shunt because it can cause serious complications including clotting or infection of the graft.
What information is REQUIRED on a properly labeled specimen tube at the time of collection?
Answer: Patient name, date of birth, collection date and time, and collector ID
CLSI and most accreditation standards require at minimum the patient's full name, date of birth, date and time of collection, and the collector's identifier.
Which needle gauge is most commonly used for routine adult venipuncture?
Answer: 21 gauge
21-gauge needles are standard for routine adult venipuncture, providing adequate flow with minimal trauma to the vein.
A patient is NPO (nothing by mouth) for 8 hours before a fasting glucose test. The phlebotomist notices a coffee cup on the bedside table. What should they do?
Answer: Ask the patient if they consumed anything and document accordingly before drawing
The phlebotomist must verify actual NPO compliance by asking the patient, document findings, and notify the ordering provider if the patient was not truly fasting.
The AMCA requires phlebotomy certification candidates to complete a minimum number of supervised venipunctures. This requirement primarily ensures:
Answer: Candidates have demonstrated clinical competency before independent practice
A minimum supervised puncture requirement validates that candidates have practiced the skill in real clinical settings and can perform it safely on actual patients.
After a needlestick injury, what is the FIRST step a phlebotomist should take?
Answer: Immediately wash the site with soap and water
Immediate washing with soap and water is the first recommended action to reduce pathogen load at the injury site before any administrative steps.