Phlebotomy Practice Test: Video 1 Answers (25 Questions) Flashcards

Which tube color is used for blood bank (type and screen, crossmatch) testing?

Answer: Pink (EDTA)

Pink top tubes contain EDTA and are specifically designated for blood bank testing to avoid confusion with other EDTA tubes, with special labeling requirements.

What additive is found in a royal blue top tube used for trace element testing?

Answer: EDTA or no additive (K2EDTA or plain)

Royal blue tubes contain either EDTA or no additive and are made with trace-element-free stoppers to prevent contamination.

In the order of draw, where does the EDTA (lavender) tube fall relative to heparin tubes?

Answer: After heparin tubes

EDTA tubes are drawn after heparin (green) tubes to prevent EDTA carryover from affecting coagulation or chemistry tests.

How many times should a sodium citrate (light blue) tube be inverted after collection?

Answer: 5–6 times

Light blue tubes should be inverted 3–4 times according to most manufacturers; however, CLSI and many references cite 3–4 gentle inversions to mix the anticoagulant without activating platelets.

Which tube is collected FIRST in the venipuncture order of draw?

Answer: Blood culture bottles

Blood culture bottles are always collected first to minimize contamination risk from skin flora.

A patient has a latex allergy documented in their chart. Which item used during routine venipuncture must be substituted?

Answer: Standard gloves replaced with nitrile or vinyl gloves

Standard examination gloves may contain latex; nitrile or vinyl gloves must be substituted for latex-allergic patients.

Which laboratory test requires the specimen to be kept warm (37°C) during transport to the laboratory?

Answer: Cold agglutinin titer

Cold agglutinins precipitate at low temperatures, so the specimen must be maintained at body temperature to prevent false results.

A requisition slip lists a 'STAT' order. In a clinical laboratory context, STAT means:

Answer: Immediate processing — results needed urgently

STAT (from Latin statim) signals that the specimen must be collected and results returned as quickly as possible.

According to CLSI guidelines, which tube is drawn LAST in a multi-tube venipuncture order of draw?

Answer: Gray-top (sodium fluoride/oxalate)

Per CLSI order of draw, gray-top tubes are collected last to prevent additive carryover from affecting other tests.

How many continuing education units (CEUs) must NHA-certified phlebotomy technicians complete before renewing their certification?

Answer: 10 CEUs

NHA CPT holders must complete 10 CEUs every two years to maintain their certification.

What angle of needle insertion is recommended for standard adult venipuncture?

Answer: 15–30 degrees

A 15–30 degree angle allows the needle to enter the vein cleanly without going through the back wall.

A phlebotomist needs to collect a specimen from a patient with only one usable arm that has an IV line running. What is the BEST approach?

Answer: Turn off the IV for 2 minutes, then draw below the IV site

Turning off the IV for at least 2 minutes and drawing distal to (below) the infusion site minimizes IV fluid dilution of the blood sample.

What is the appropriate action if a patient's vein collapses during venipuncture with an evacuated tube?

Answer: Switch to a syringe or butterfly to reduce vacuum pressure

Switching to a syringe or butterfly set allows the phlebotomist to control suction manually, preventing vein collapse from excessive vacuum.

When performing venipuncture on a patient with small or fragile veins, which needle is most appropriate?

Answer: 23-gauge butterfly needle

A 23-gauge butterfly (winged infusion) set allows better control and flexibility for difficult or fragile veins.

What is the PRIMARY reason to release the tourniquet before withdrawing the needle?

Answer: To prevent excessive bleeding and hematoma formation

Releasing the tourniquet before needle removal reduces venous back-pressure, minimizing the risk of hematoma at the puncture site.

What is the AMT's primary credential for phlebotomists?

Answer: RPT

The AMT awards the Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) credential to qualified phlebotomists.

The AMT RPT recertification requires:

Answer: Continuing education units (CEUs) on a defined renewal cycle

AMT RPT holders must earn CEUs and pay renewal fees on the AMT's recertification cycle to maintain active credentialed status.

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

Answer: To mix the additive thoroughly with blood

Gentle inversions ensure the tube additive (anticoagulant or clot activator) mixes completely with the blood sample.

When a phlebotomist cannot locate a vein after two attempts, the BEST course of action is to:

Answer: Ask a colleague or supervisor to attempt the draw

Most facilities limit each phlebotomist to two attempts; a third attempt should be made by a different qualified individual.

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.