Association of Phlebotomy Technicians Flashcards

Which of the following best describes the APT's role in continuing professional development (CPD)?

Answer: The APT encourages members to maintain and record ongoing CPD activities

The APT promotes lifelong learning by encouraging members to engage in and document CPD to maintain competency.

What is the primary risk of drawing blood from a site with an active hematoma?

Answer: Contaminated or falsely elevated results from the old hemolyzed blood

Drawing through a hematoma can introduce hemolyzed blood into the sample, producing inaccurate test results.

When is it appropriate to use a butterfly (winged infusion) needle set?

Answer: For difficult, small, or fragile veins and dorsal hand veins

Butterfly needles provide greater control and are preferred for small, fragile, or hard-to-access veins including dorsal hand veins.

What does a haemolysed sample look like, and what is a common cause?

Answer: Pink or red serum/plasma; caused by red cell destruction

Hemolysis causes red blood cells to rupture, releasing hemoglobin and turning serum/plasma pink to red.

Which of the following actions MOST reduces the risk of pre-analytical error in phlebotomy?

Answer: Ensuring correct patient identification and proper tube labeling at the bedside

Correct patient ID and immediate bedside labeling are the most critical steps to prevent mislabeled or switched specimens.

In the standard order of draw, which tube should be collected FIRST?

Answer: Blood culture bottles

Blood culture bottles are collected first to minimize contamination risk from tube additives and skin flora.

What is the purpose of inverting blood collection tubes after filling?

Answer: To mix the blood with the tube additive thoroughly

Gentle inversions mix blood with the tube's additive (anticoagulant or clot activator) to ensure proper sample preparation.