Phlebotomy Test Special Collection Procedures 2

Question 1

When collecting a neonatal bilirubin specimen, what is the primary concern regarding light exposure?

Accepted Answer

Light degrades bilirubin, causing falsely low results

Answer

Bilirubin is photosensitive and breaks down rapidly when exposed to light, so specimens must be wrapped in foil or collected in amber tubes immediately.

Question 2

A glucose tolerance test (GTT) requires the patient to fast for how long before the baseline draw?

Accepted Answer

8–12 hours

Answer

Standard GTT protocol requires an 8–12 hour fast to establish a reliable fasting baseline glucose level.

Question 3

Which needle gauge is most appropriate for a blood culture collection to minimize contamination risk while maintaining adequate flow?

Accepted Answer

21–22 gauge

Answer

A 21–22 gauge needle provides adequate flow for blood culture volumes while reducing hemolysis and patient discomfort.

Question 4

When performing a capillary blood gas collection from a neonate's heel, what must be done to the heel before puncture?

Accepted Answer

Warm the heel to 42°C (107.6°F) for at least 3–5 minutes

Answer

Warming arterializes the capillary blood by causing vasodilation, which improves the accuracy of blood gas values.

Question 5

For a therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) trough level, blood should be drawn at which time?

Accepted Answer

Immediately before the next scheduled dose

Answer

Trough levels are drawn immediately before the next dose to capture the lowest drug concentration in the bloodstream.

Phlebotomy Practice Test

Phlebotomy Practice Test

Phlebotomy Test Special Collection Procedures 2