Phlebotomy Test Association of Phlebotomy Technicians 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which organization specifically represents the interests of phlebotomy technicians in the UK?
- American Society for Clinical Pathology
- Association of Phlebotomy Technicians (Correct answer)
- National Phlebotomy Association
- British Institute of Biomedical Science
Correct answer: Association of Phlebotomy Technicians
The Association of Phlebotomy Technicians (APT) is the professional body specifically dedicated to representing phlebotomists in the UK.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of the APT's Code of Professional Conduct?
- To set blood draw volume limits
- To outline standards for ethical and professional practice (Correct answer)
- To regulate laboratory equipment purchasing
- To define NHS pay grades for phlebotomists
Correct answer: To outline standards for ethical and professional practice
The APT's Code of Professional Conduct establishes the ethical and professional standards members are expected to uphold.
Question 3: Which venipuncture complication involves blood leaking into surrounding tissue during or after a draw?
- Hematoma (Correct answer)
- Syncope
- Hemolysis
- Petechiae
Correct answer: Hematoma
A hematoma occurs when blood leaks from the vein into surrounding tissue, causing a visible bruise or swelling.
Question 4: When collecting blood cultures, which skin antiseptic is recommended for site preparation?
- 70% isopropyl alcohol alone
- Povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine gluconate (Correct answer)
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Benzalkonium chloride
Correct answer: Povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine gluconate
Blood culture site prep requires a two-step process using povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine to minimize contamination risk.
Question 5: A patient's arm veins are not visible. What is the BEST immediate next step?
- Immediately attempt a blind stick
- Apply a warm compress to the arm for several minutes (Correct answer)
- Proceed directly to a finger stick
- Request a central line insertion
Correct answer: Apply a warm compress to the arm for several minutes
Applying a warm compress dilates superficial veins, making them more visible and accessible for venipuncture.
Question 6: What does the term 'order of draw' refer to in phlebotomy?
- The sequence in which patients are called for blood collection
- The prescribed order in which blood collection tubes are filled (Correct answer)
- The ranking of vein sites from most to least preferred
- The order in which centrifuged samples are processed
Correct answer: The prescribed order in which blood collection tubes are filled
Order of draw refers to the standardized sequence for filling blood collection tubes to prevent additive carryover between tubes.
Question 7: Which tube additive is found in a light blue (citrate) tube and is used for coagulation studies?
- EDTA
- Sodium fluoride
- Sodium citrate (Correct answer)
- Lithium heparin
Correct answer: Sodium citrate
Light blue tubes contain sodium citrate, which chelates calcium to prevent clotting and is used for PT and aPTT coagulation tests.
Phlebotomy Test Association of Phlebotomy Technicians 2
Which organization specifically represents the interests of phlebotomy technicians in the UK?