Phlebotomy Test American Medical Technologists 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which vein is considered the FIRST choice for venipuncture in most patients?
- Cephalic vein
- Basilic vein
- Median cubital vein (Correct answer)
- Median antebrachial vein
Correct answer: Median cubital vein
The median cubital vein is preferred because it is large, well-anchored, and usually away from major arteries and nerves.
Question 2: What does 'chain of custody' mean in phlebotomy practice?
- The order in which tubes are filled
- Documentation tracking specimen handling from collection to result (Correct answer)
- The sequence of patient identification steps
- The hierarchy of phlebotomy staff supervisors
Correct answer: Documentation tracking specimen handling from collection to result
Chain of custody is the unbroken documentation trail ensuring specimen integrity, especially for forensic or drug testing samples.
Question 3: When performing a capillary puncture on a newborn, the preferred site is the:
- Fingertip
- Earlobe
- Plantar surface of the heel (Correct answer)
- Antecubital fossa
Correct answer: Plantar surface of the heel
The plantar (bottom) surface of the heel is used for neonatal capillary puncture because infant fingers lack sufficient tissue depth.
Question 4: What is the purpose of inverting collection tubes after drawing blood?
- To activate clotting
- To mix the additive thoroughly with blood (Correct answer)
- To prevent hemolysis
- To settle red cells to the bottom
Correct answer: To mix the additive thoroughly with blood
Gentle inversions ensure the tube additive (anticoagulant or clot activator) mixes completely with the blood sample.
Question 5: Which condition contraindicates drawing blood from an arm?
- The patient is left-handed
- An IV is running in that arm (Correct answer)
- The patient had a meal 2 hours ago
- The room temperature is below 70°F
Correct answer: An IV is running in that arm
Drawing from an arm with a running IV dilutes the sample and produces inaccurate results; use the opposite arm or below the IV site.
Question 6: The AMT RPT recertification requires:
- Retaking the full examination every year
- Continuing education units (CEUs) on a defined renewal cycle (Correct answer)
- A letter of recommendation from a physician
- Proof of 500 venipunctures annually
Correct 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.
Question 7: Lipemia in a blood sample appears as:
- Yellow discoloration of serum
- Pink or red tinge to serum
- Milky white or turbid appearance (Correct answer)
- Dark brown serum color
Correct answer: Milky white or turbid appearance
Lipemia causes a milky, turbid appearance due to elevated triglycerides, often from a non-fasting patient.
Phlebotomy Test American Medical Technologists 3
Which vein is considered the FIRST choice for venipuncture in most patients?