Phlebotomy Test National Center for Competency Testing 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which tube color is used for collecting specimens requiring EDTA as an anticoagulant?
- Red
- Green
- Lavender (Correct answer)
- Light blue
Correct answer: Lavender
Lavender (purple) top tubes contain EDTA and are used for hematology tests such as a complete blood count (CBC).
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of inverting evacuated tubes after collection?
- To warm the specimen for faster processing
- To mix the blood with the tube's additive (Correct answer)
- To prevent the stopper from loosening
- To settle red blood cells to the bottom
Correct answer: To mix the blood with the tube's additive
Gentle inversion mixes blood with the additive (anticoagulant or clot activator) to ensure proper specimen preparation.
Question 3: A patient is identified as a 'difficult stick.' Which site is an acceptable alternative to the antecubital fossa?
- Femoral vein
- Jugular vein
- Hand or wrist veins (Correct answer)
- Ankle veins in all patients
Correct answer: Hand or wrist veins
Hand or wrist veins are an acceptable alternative when antecubital veins are inaccessible; ankle veins require physician order.
Question 4: Which condition requires a phlebotomist to use a smaller gauge needle and gentle aspiration?
- Polycythemia vera
- Dehydration with collapsed veins (Correct answer)
- Thrombocytosis
- Leukocytosis
Correct answer: Dehydration with collapsed veins
Dehydrated patients often have fragile, collapsed veins that require a smaller gauge needle and gentle suction to avoid vein collapse.
Question 5: Under NCCT standards, how should a phlebotomist handle a needlestick injury?
- Squeeze the wound, wash thoroughly, and report immediately to a supervisor (Correct answer)
- Cover with a bandage and continue working
- Apply antiseptic only and document at end of shift
- Notify a supervisor only if bleeding is significant
Correct answer: Squeeze the wound, wash thoroughly, and report immediately to a supervisor
NCCT and OSHA protocols require immediately squeezing the wound, washing with soap and water, and reporting to a supervisor for follow-up care.
Question 6: Which federal regulation governs the handling of bloodborne pathogens and applies directly to phlebotomists?
- CLIA 1988
- OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030 (Correct answer)
- HIPAA Privacy Rule
- FDA 21 CFR Part 606
Correct answer: OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030
OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) mandates safety practices to protect healthcare workers from exposure to infectious materials.
Question 7: What is the correct angle range for needle insertion during routine venipuncture?
- 5–10 degrees
- 15–30 degrees (Correct answer)
- 35–45 degrees
- 50–60 degrees
Correct answer: 15–30 degrees
A 15–30 degree angle allows the needle to enter the vein cleanly while minimizing the risk of passing through it.
Phlebotomy Test National Center for Competency Testing 3
Which tube color is used for collecting specimens requiring EDTA as an anticoagulant?