Phlebotomy Certification Study Deck

A comprehensive practice deck covering 50 key phlebotomy concepts, including patient identification, procedure safety, order of draw, and sample rejection criteria.

What are two acceptable patient identifiers?

Full name and date of birth.

Why is patient identification important?

Prevents specimen and treatment errors.

What should be done if a wristband doesn't match the requisition?

Do not draw blood until resolved.

What are Standard Precautions?

Treat all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious.

When should gloves be changed?

Between patients and when contaminated.

What is the most effective infection prevention?

Hand hygiene.

What is the response for a needlestick injury?

Wash area immediately and report per protocol.

What is the preferred vein for venipuncture?

Median cubital vein.

What is the second-choice vein for venipuncture?

Cephalic vein.

What is the third-choice vein for venipuncture?

Basilic vein.

Why use the basilic vein cautiously?

Near arteries and nerves.

What is the needle insertion angle?

$15\text{--}30$ degrees.

What is the required bevel direction during needle insertion?

Up.

What is the maximum tourniquet time?

$1$ minute.

Why avoid prolonged tourniquet time?

Hemoconcentration alters results.

When should the tourniquet be released?

Before removing the needle.

Why let alcohol dry before the draw?

Prevents stinging and contamination.

What is the correct order of draw?

Blood cultures $\rightarrow$ Light Blue $\rightarrow$ Red/Gold $\rightarrow$ Green $\rightarrow$ Lavender $\rightarrow$ Gray.

What is the first tube drawn?

Blood cultures.

What additive is in the Light blue tube?

Sodium citrate.

What additive is in the Green tube?

Heparin.

What additive is in the Lavender tube?

EDTA.

What additive is in the Gray tube?

Potassium oxalate/sodium fluoride.

What is the function of EDTA?

Prevents clotting by binding calcium.

What is the function of Heparin?

Prevents clot formation.

What is the function of Sodium citrate?

Preserves coagulation factors.

When should you label specimens?

Immediately at bedside.

What information goes on the specimen label?

Patient identifiers, date, time, collector initials.

Why reject mislabeled specimens?

Patient safety concerns.

What is the most common complication of venipuncture?

Hematoma.

What is the cause of a hematoma?

Blood leaks into surrounding tissue.

What do you do if a hematoma forms?

Stop draw and apply pressure.

What is syncope?

Fainting.

What do you do if a patient faints?

Remove needle, protect patient, seek assistance.

What is the preferred infant capillary site?

Lateral or medial heel.

What is the preferred adult capillary site?

Middle or ring finger.

Why avoid the thumb for capillary collection?

Pulse and nerve endings.

What is hemolysis?

Rupture of red blood cells.

What are common causes of hemolysis?

Small needle, vigorous shaking, difficult collection.

Why is hemolysis a problem?

It can alter laboratory results.

Should you ever recap needles?

Never.

What is the proper disposal for sharps?

Sharps container.

What does OSHA stand for?

Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

What does PPE stand for?

Personal Protective Equipment.

What is the first step before drawing blood?

Identify the patient.

Which tube color is used for a CBC?

Lavender.

Which tube color is used for coagulation studies?

Light blue.

Which tube color is used for glucose testing?

Gray.

What does the abbreviation CBC stand for?

Complete Blood Count.

What does the abbreviation PT stand for?

Prothrombin Time.