Phlebotomy Test Special Collection Procedures 3

Question 1

When collecting blood cultures, how should the venipuncture site be prepared to minimize contamination?

Accepted Answer

Chlorhexidine gluconate or iodine tincture applied in concentric circles and allowed to dry

Answer

Chlorhexidine or iodine-based antiseptics applied in an outward concentric-circle motion and allowed to fully dry provide the best reduction in skin flora.

Question 2

In a 2-bottle blood culture set, which bottle should be inoculated first when using a winged blood collection set (butterfly needle)?

Accepted Answer

Aerobic bottle first

Answer

When using a butterfly set, the tubing contains air; inoculating the aerobic bottle first prevents that air from entering the anaerobic bottle.

Question 3

Which type of specimen is required for a sweat chloride test used to diagnose cystic fibrosis?

Accepted Answer

Sweat collected via pilocarpine iontophoresis onto gauze or filter paper

Answer

The pilocarpine iontophoresis method stimulates localized sweating, and the collected sweat is analyzed for chloride concentration.

Question 4

A glucose tolerance test (GTT) timed specimen drawn at the 2-hour interval must be collected within how many minutes of the scheduled time to be valid?

Accepted Answer

± 5 minutes

Answer

GTT specimens must be collected within ±5 minutes of the scheduled interval to ensure accurate glucose curve interpretation.

Question 5

What is the recommended minimum volume of blood to inoculate into each blood culture bottle in an adult collection?

Accepted Answer

8–10 mL

Answer

Inoculating 8–10 mL per bottle maximizes the sensitivity of blood culture by increasing the chance of detecting low-level bacteremia.

Phlebotomy Practice Test

Phlebotomy Practice Test

Phlebotomy Test Special Collection Procedures 3