National Center for Competency Testing Flashcards

Which specimen type is collected in a light blue (sodium citrate) tube?

Answer: Coagulation studies (PT, aPTT)

Sodium citrate tubes (light blue tops) are used for coagulation studies because citrate chelates calcium to prevent clotting.

What does the term 'chain of custody' mean in phlebotomy?

Answer: The documented process ensuring a specimen's integrity from collection to reporting

Chain of custody is the documented, unbroken tracking of a specimen from collection through analysis, critical for legal and forensic specimens.

A phlebotomist enters a patient's room and finds the patient is receiving an IV infusion in the left arm. Where should the blood draw be performed?

Answer: From the right arm, away from the IV

Blood should be drawn from the opposite arm to avoid dilution of the specimen with IV fluids.

How should a phlebotomist dispose of a used needle after venipuncture?

Answer: Place uncapped needle directly into a puncture-resistant sharps container

Needles must be immediately discarded uncapped into a puncture-resistant sharps container to prevent needlestick injuries.

Which of the following is NOT an acceptable reason to reject a specimen in the laboratory?

Answer: Specimen drawn from a 65-year-old patient

Patient age alone is never a reason to reject a specimen; rejection criteria are based on collection errors and specimen integrity.

What is syncope in the context of phlebotomy, and what is the immediate response?

Answer: Fainting; lower patient's head, loosen clothing, apply cold compress

Syncope (fainting) requires lowering the patient's head below heart level, loosening tight clothing, and applying a cool compress while monitoring vitals.

Under the NCCT competency framework, which skill is tested in the practical component of the NCPT exam?

Answer: Venipuncture technique and specimen handling

The NCPT practical exam evaluates hands-on venipuncture technique, proper tube selection, and correct specimen handling procedures.