Association of Phlebotomy Technicians Flashcards

Under APT guidelines, how soon after collection should a specimen labeled with patient identifiers be processed if left at room temperature?

Answer: Within 2 hours

Most specimens should be processed or refrigerated within 2 hours of collection to preserve analyte stability.

What is the recommended angle of needle insertion for routine adult venipuncture?

Answer: 15–30 degrees

A 15–30 degree angle is standard for venipuncture, allowing the needle to enter the vein without piercing the posterior wall.

Which of the following is a contraindication for performing venipuncture on a specific arm?

Answer: Presence of a dialysis fistula or AV shunt

Drawing from an arm with a dialysis fistula or AV shunt can damage the fistula and compromise the patient's dialysis access.

What information is the MINIMUM required on a specimen label according to best practice standards?

Answer: Patient name, date of birth, and collection date/time

Minimum labeling requires patient name, date of birth, and collection date/time to ensure accurate patient-sample matching.

A phlebotomist notices a patient's tourniquet has been on for 3 minutes before the draw begins. What should they do?

Answer: Release the tourniquet and reapply after a 2-minute wait

Prolonged tourniquet application causes hemoconcentration; releasing and waiting before reapplying prevents falsely elevated analyte results.

What is the correct response if a patient begins to feel faint (vasovagal syncope) during venipuncture?

Answer: Remove the needle, lower the patient's head, and apply a cold compress

The needle should be removed immediately, the patient reclined with head lowered to restore cerebral blood flow, and a cold compress applied.

Which specimen is typically collected in a grey-top tube containing sodium fluoride?

Answer: Glucose and lactate testing

Grey-top tubes with sodium fluoride inhibit glycolysis, preserving glucose levels for accurate glucose and lactate measurements.