Phlebotomy Test Association of Phlebotomy Technicians 3

Question 1

Under APT guidelines, how soon after collection should a specimen labeled with patient identifiers be processed if left at room temperature?

Accepted Answer

Within 2 hours

Answer

Most specimens should be processed or refrigerated within 2 hours of collection to preserve analyte stability.

Question 2

What is the recommended angle of needle insertion for routine adult venipuncture?

Accepted Answer

15–30 degrees

Answer

A 15–30 degree angle is standard for venipuncture, allowing the needle to enter the vein without piercing the posterior wall.

Question 3

Which of the following is a contraindication for performing venipuncture on a specific arm?

Accepted Answer

Presence of a dialysis fistula or AV shunt

Answer

Drawing from an arm with a dialysis fistula or AV shunt can damage the fistula and compromise the patient's dialysis access.

Question 4

What information is the MINIMUM required on a specimen label according to best practice standards?

Accepted Answer

Patient name, date of birth, and collection date/time

Answer

Minimum labeling requires patient name, date of birth, and collection date/time to ensure accurate patient-sample matching.

Question 5

A phlebotomist notices a patient's tourniquet has been on for 3 minutes before the draw begins. What should they do?

Accepted Answer

Release the tourniquet and reapply after a 2-minute wait

Answer

Prolonged tourniquet application causes hemoconcentration; releasing and waiting before reapplying prevents falsely elevated analyte results.

Phlebotomy Practice Test