Blood Collection Equipment and Supplies 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 Blood Collection Equipment and Supplies flashcards as text
What does 'bevel up' mean when inserting a needle for venipuncture?
Answer: The angled opening of the needle tip faces upward toward the phlebotomist
Bevel up means the slanted, sharp opening of the needle faces upward, which facilitates smooth entry into the vein and reduces vessel wall trauma during puncture.
Which collection device is specifically designed for arterial blood gas (ABG) specimen collection?
Answer: Pre-heparinized syringe with a 22–25 gauge needle
ABG collection requires a pre-heparinized syringe to prevent clotting of arterial blood, paired with a small-gauge needle (22–25 gauge) for access to the radial, brachial, or femoral artery.
What is the primary purpose of a syringe blood transfer device (blood transfer device)?
Answer: To safely transfer blood from a syringe into evacuated tubes without using an exposed needle
A blood transfer device attaches to the syringe hub and connects to evacuated tubes, allowing vacuum-assisted, needle-free transfer that reduces needlestick risk and minimizes hemolysis from forced plunger ejection.
What does PST stand for in phlebotomy and what color is it typically associated with?
Answer: Plasma Separator Tube; light green
PST stands for Plasma Separator Tube; it is typically light green and contains lithium heparin with a gel separator that produces plasma (rather than serum) for rapid chemistry testing.
What should a phlebotomist do if an evacuated tube fails to fill because it has lost its vacuum mid-draw?
Answer: Replace it with a new tube while keeping the needle in the vein
If a tube has lost its vacuum, the phlebotomist should remove it and immediately insert a new tube while the needle remains in the vein, avoiding an unnecessary second puncture for the patient.
Which tube additive and color is used for blood culture collection, designed to support bacterial viability?
Answer: SPS (Sodium Polyanethol Sulfonate); yellow top
Yellow top tubes containing SPS are used for blood cultures; SPS inhibits complement, phagocytosis, and certain antibiotics while preserving bacterial viability for accurate microbiological detection.
What is the correct angle of needle insertion for routine venipuncture?
Answer: 15–30 degrees
The recommended insertion angle for venipuncture is 15–30 degrees with the bevel up; this angle allows entry into the vein lumen without passing through the opposite wall.