Phlebotomy Specimen Processing and Handling Questions and Answers

Question 1

A phlebotomist has just drawn a serum separator tube (SST) for a chemistry panel. What is the correct minimum time the tube should be allowed to clot before centrifugation?

Accepted Answer

30 minutes

Answer

10 minutes

Answer

60 minutes

Answer

Immediately

Question 2

Which of the following would be a valid reason for a laboratory to reject a blood specimen?

Accepted Answer

The specimen was collected in a tube with an expired date.

Answer

The patient's name is written in pen on the label.

Answer

The specimen was transported at room temperature.

Answer

The phlebotomist's initials are on the label.

Question 3

A test for bilirubin levels has been ordered. What is the most critical handling requirement for this specimen immediately after collection?

Accepted Answer

Protect the tube from light.

Answer

Place the tube in an ice slurry.

Answer

Keep the tube at body temperature (37°C).

Answer

Centrifuge the tube immediately.

Question 4

A phlebotomist must prepare a specimen for transport to a reference lab that requires chilled handling. What is the proper technique for chilling the specimen?

Accepted Answer

Submerging the tube in a mixture of crushed ice and water.

Answer

Placing the tube directly on a large block of ice.

Answer

Storing the tube in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before transport.

Answer

Attaching a cold pack to the outside of the transport bag.

Question 5

When balancing a centrifuge for spinning blood tubes, which principle must be followed?

Accepted Answer

Tubes of the same size and fill volume must be placed directly opposite each other.

Answer

Heavier tubes should be placed closer to the center of the rotor.

Answer

All available slots in the centrifuge must be filled before operation.

Answer

Plasma tubes and serum tubes should never be centrifuged at the same time.

Question 6

A phlebotomist is collecting a specimen for a legal blood alcohol level test. Which of the following is a key component of the 'chain of custody' process for this specimen?

Accepted Answer

Documenting every person who handles the specimen.

Answer

Using a larger gauge needle for the collection.

Answer

Having the patient sign a waiver before the draw.

Answer

Drawing a discard tube before the required gray-top tube.