Special Collection Procedures 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 Special Collection Procedures flashcards as text
Which site is preferred for neonatal heel stick collection?
Answer: The medial or lateral plantar surface of the heel
The medial or lateral plantar surface of the heel is farthest from the calcaneus bone, reducing the risk of osteomyelitis.
What is the purpose of mixing the arterial blood gas syringe gently by rolling it between the palms after collection?
Answer: To mix heparin evenly with blood and prevent clot formation
Rolling the syringe ensures heparin is uniformly distributed throughout the blood, preventing micro-clots that would invalidate the ABG result.
For a bleeding time test, where is the standardized incision typically made?
Answer: The forearm, 5 cm below the antecubital crease
The modified Ivy method uses a standardized incision on the forearm, with a blood pressure cuff inflated to 40 mmHg to standardize pressure.
A patient has an IV line running in the left antecubital vein. Where should the phlebotomist draw blood?
Answer: From the right arm or a site distal to the IV on the same arm after turning off the IV for 2 minutes
Drawing from the opposite arm or stopping the IV for at least 2 minutes and drawing distal to the IV prevents dilution or contamination of the specimen.
When collecting specimens for cold agglutinin titers, how must the specimen be transported to the lab?
Answer: At body temperature (37°C) in a warming device
Cold agglutinins bind to red blood cells at low temperatures; keeping the specimen warm prevents premature agglutination before testing.
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.
What precaution must be taken when drawing blood from a patient receiving thrombolytic therapy (e.g., tPA)?
Answer: Apply prolonged firm pressure after venipuncture to prevent hematoma
Thrombolytics impair normal clotting, so extended manual pressure (5–10 minutes or longer) is required at the puncture site to achieve hemostasis.