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

A trough level represents the lowest concentration of a drug in the patient's bloodstream. To accurately measure this, the blood should be drawn just before the next dose is given, when the drug level is expected to be at its minimum.

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

Vomiting during a GTT invalidates the results because the amount of glucose absorbed cannot be determined. The test must be stopped, and the ordering physician must be notified for further instructions.

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

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.

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

The chain of custody is a legal and procedural document that tracks the specimen from the moment of collection until the results are reported. It requires meticulous documentation of every person who has had possession of the specimen to ensure its integrity and prevent tampering.

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

The filter paper should not be pressed against the puncture site. Instead, a large drop of blood should be allowed to form and then touched gently to the paper, allowing the blood to soak through and completely fill the circle by capillary action. Touching the paper to the skin can cause smearing, contamination, and incomplete saturation.

Phlebotomy Practice Test Practice Test

Phlebotomy Practice Test Practice Test

Phlebotomy Special Collection Procedures Questions and Answers