American Medical Technologists Flashcards

Which specimen type is collected in a red top tube without a gel separator?

Answer: Serum without additives

Plain red top tubes have no additives, allowing blood to clot naturally and yield serum after centrifugation.

Standard precautions in phlebotomy require gloves:

Answer: For every blood draw regardless of patient status

Standard precautions treat all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious, requiring gloves for every patient contact involving blood.

A lavender (purple) top tube is used PRIMARILY for:

Answer: Complete blood count (CBC)

Lavender/purple top tubes contain EDTA, which preserves cellular morphology, making them ideal for CBC and differential count testing.

What angle should the needle be inserted for routine antecubital venipuncture?

Answer: 15–30 degrees

A 15–30 degree angle (bevel up) allows smooth entry into the vein without passing through the posterior wall.

Which of the following BEST describes 'hemoconcentration' caused by prolonged tourniquet use?

Answer: False elevation of large molecules like proteins and potassium

Prolonged tourniquet use causes fluid to shift out of the vascular space, concentrating cells and large molecules like proteins, potassium, and lipids.

When a phlebotomist cannot locate a vein after two attempts, the BEST course of action is to:

Answer: Ask a colleague or supervisor to attempt the draw

Most facilities limit each phlebotomist to two attempts; a third attempt should be made by a different qualified individual.

The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act requires healthcare facilities to:

Answer: Evaluate and implement safer needle devices and involve frontline workers in selection

The 2000 federal act mandates that facilities use safety-engineered sharps devices and include non-managerial employees in device selection.