Mixed Deck — All Phlebotomy Test Topics Flashcards
100 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 20 Mixed Deck — All Phlebotomy Test Topics flashcards as text
The 'rule of four' regarding pre-analytical errors states that approximately how many laboratory errors occur in the pre-analytical phase?
Answer: 60–70% of all errors
Studies consistently show that 60–70% of all laboratory errors are pre-analytical, underscoring the critical importance of proper specimen collection and handling.
Which ASCP-recognized principle requires that patient laboratory results be shared only with authorized healthcare personnel?
Answer: HIPAA confidentiality
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) protects patient health information and restricts unauthorized disclosure.
What is the primary purpose of labeling blood collection tubes at the bedside immediately after collection?
Answer: To prevent specimen mislabeling and ensure patient safety
Bedside labeling immediately after collection is the most critical step to prevent mislabeling errors, which are a leading cause of transfusion reactions and diagnostic mistakes.
What is the maximum recommended angle for needle insertion during routine venipuncture?
Answer: 30 degrees
The recommended needle insertion angle for venipuncture is 15–30 degrees, with 30 degrees being the accepted maximum for most patients.
Which of the following is a critical step in preparing a thick blood smear for malaria diagnosis?
Answer: Using the corner of a clean slide to spread the blood into a dime-sized circle
For a thick smear, a large drop of blood is spread in a circular motion to create a smear about the size of a dime. This technique concentrates the parasites, making them easier to find. Unlike thin smears, thick smears are not fixed with methanol, as this would prevent the red blood cells from lysing, which is necessary for proper examination.
In ASCP specimen handling guidelines, what does 'STAT' designation mean for a laboratory specimen?
Answer: Immediate priority requiring urgent processing
STAT (Latin: statim) means immediately, indicating the specimen requires urgent processing ahead of routine samples.
During a capillary puncture on an adult, which site is preferred?
Answer: Lateral aspect of the fingertip
The lateral (side) aspect of the fingertip is preferred because it is less sensitive and has a better capillary bed than the center, which has dense nerve endings.
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.
A physician orders a lactic acid level. Which tube and special handling does this test require?
Answer: Gray top (sodium fluoride/oxalate); transported on ice immediately
Lactic acid tubes (gray top) contain sodium fluoride to stop glycolysis, and samples must be transported on ice to prevent continued lactate production.
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.
Which gauge needle is most commonly used for routine adult venipuncture?
Answer: 21-gauge
21-gauge needles are the standard choice for routine adult venipuncture, balancing patient comfort and adequate blood flow.
Which anatomical structure runs parallel and medial to the median cubital vein and must be avoided during antecubital venipuncture?
Answer: Brachial artery
The brachial artery runs medial to the antecubital fossa; accidental arterial puncture causes pulsatile bright red blood, hematoma, and pain—it must be avoided.
When collecting a specimen for ammonia testing, which pre-analytical condition is most critical?
Answer: Immediately placing the specimen on ice and transporting it within 15 minutes
Ammonia is produced by cellular metabolism after collection; chilling the specimen slows this process and prevents falsely elevated results.
Which condition is a contraindication to using the antecubital vein on the same side as a mastectomy?
Answer: Lymphedema risk
Venipuncture on the same side as a mastectomy risks introducing infection or worsening lymphedema due to compromised lymphatic drainage.
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.
What does 'iatrogenic anemia' mean in the context of neonatal blood collection?
Answer: Anemia resulting from excessive blood removal by medical testing
Iatrogenic anemia in neonates refers to anemia directly caused by repeated blood draws for laboratory testing, which removes significant blood volume from their small total blood volume.
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.
Which additive is found in the royal blue-top tube used for trace element and heavy metal testing?
Answer: EDTA or no additive (trace-element-free)
Royal blue-top tubes are manufactured with either EDTA or no additive, using trace-element-free materials to prevent contamination of heavy metal assays.
When using a glucose meter for POCT, the operator must enter a lot number or scan a barcode before testing. This step primarily ensures:
Answer: The correct calibration data matches the test strips in use
Entering the lot number or scanning the test strip code loads the correct calibration data specific to that batch of strips, ensuring accurate results.
A phlebotomist is performing a POCT glucose test. The meter displays 'HI'. What does this indicate?
Answer: The blood glucose is above the meter's measurable range
'HI' on a glucose meter indicates the glucose level exceeds the upper limit of the meter's measurement range, typically >600 mg/dL.