Phlebotomy Special Collection Procedures Questions and Answers

Question 1

A phlebotomist is collecting a trough level specimen for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). When should the specimen be collected?

Accepted Answer

Shortly before the next scheduled dose is administered

Answer

Immediately after the next dose is administered

Answer

30 to 60 minutes after the completion of an IV infusion

Answer

At a randomly selected time between doses

Question 2

During a multi-sample oral glucose tolerance test (GTT), a patient vomits 45 minutes after drinking the glucose beverage. Which of the following is the most appropriate action for the phlebotomist to take?

Accepted Answer

Discontinue the test and immediately notify the patient's physician or nurse

Answer

Continue the test and note the time of vomiting on the requisition

Answer

Offer the patient water and resume the test from where it left off

Answer

Administer a second, smaller dose of the glucose beverage

Question 3

Which of the following is a critical step in preparing a thick blood smear for malaria diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Using the corner of a clean slide to spread the blood into a dime-sized circle

Answer

Fixing the smear with methanol before it air dries

Answer

Creating a feathered edge by pushing a spreader slide rapidly and smoothly

Answer

Ensuring the smear is thick enough to obscure newsprint placed underneath it

Question 4

A phlebotomist is collecting a blood specimen for a legal proceeding that requires a chain of custody. Which of the following actions is essential to maintain the integrity of the specimen?

Accepted Answer

Documenting every individual who handles the specimen

Answer

Asking the patient to initial the collection tubes after labeling

Answer

Using a gray-top tube regardless of the test ordered

Answer

Having a coworker of the same gender witness the collection

Question 5

When collecting a blood spot specimen for newborn screening, which action is considered unacceptable and could lead to specimen rejection?

Accepted Answer

Touching the filter paper directly to the baby's heel to speed up collection

Answer

Wiping away the first drop of blood after the heel puncture

Answer

Applying blood to only one side of the filter paper

Answer

Allowing a large drop of blood to form before touching it to the paper

Question 6

A patient is scheduled for a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (GTT). Which instruction is most critical for the phlebotomist to confirm with the patient before starting the test?

Accepted Answer

Have you been fasting for at least 8 hours?

Answer

Have you consumed a high-protein breakfast this morning?

Answer

Did you perform strenuous exercise within the last hour?

Answer

Have you avoided all dairy products for the past 24 hours?