NHA test review

Hand washing procedure for phlebotomy technicians

Use enough soap to foam lather and rub hands together for at least 15 seconds.

Effect of povidone iodine on potassium tests

Povidone iodine can cause false elevation of potassium levels in specimens.

Removing gloves after venipuncture

Turn the first glove inside out during removal to decrease chances of blood exposure.

Replacement of sharps container

Replace the sharps container when it is two thirds full according to OSHA standards.

Confirming patient identity before procedures

Identify the patient prior to performing any steps of the procedure.

Chain of custody guidelines

Apply to drug screenings, forensic studies, blood alcohol tests, and paternity testing.

Last PPE to remove after exiting patient’s room

Mask is the last piece of PPE the technician should remove.

Actions after verifying laboratory results

Inform the patient to contact the ordering provider for laboratory results.

HIPAA compliance regarding personal information

HIPAA protects patients’ personal health information.

Anticoagulant for PT/PTT sample

Sodium citrate should be used to collect a sample for PT/PTT.

Using evacuated needle holder and blood collection tubes

Gently push the first collection tube into the holder to secure it.

First action after needlestick injury according to OSHA

Wash the puncture site with soap and water.

Type of consent demonstrated when a patient extends their arm

Implied consent is given when a patient extends their arm for a procedure.

External liquid controls quality control timing

Perform when a new lot number or kit is opened.

Action during a seizure while performing venipuncture

Discontinue the draw to protect the patient from self-injury.

First tube to collect for tests

Lavender topped tube is collected first to minimize platelet clumping.

Waiting period for peak level of medication draw

Wait 1-2 hours after administration before attempting to draw a peak level.

Marking specimens before leaving patient’s room

Initial and mark the date and time on each tube drawn.

Frequency of glucometer quality control tests

Every day the glucometer is used to ensure accurate readings.

Needle size for blood donation

Use an 18-gauge needle for the collection of donor units of blood.

Antiseptic solution for routine venipuncture

Isopropyl alcohol should be used to decontaminate the puncture site.

Information to verify on laboratory requisition

Check for a specimen identification code and patient information.

Action if no visible vein after applying tourniquet

Have the patient dangle her arm for 1 to 2 minutes.

Description of red spots below tourniquet

Petechiae are the small red spots that can appear.

Urine specimen volume for drug test

Verify the specimen contains at least 45 mL of urine.

Blood specimen site for mastectomy patient

Select the medial cubital vein in the opposite arm of the mastectomy.

Immediate report action for low WBC count

Notify the provider of a WBC count of 1.8, which is outside the normal range.

Peripheral blood smear action

Use the second drop of blood that emerges from the puncture.

Needle size for fragile veins

Use a small needle for blood collection from fragile veins.

Antiseptic for patient allergic to alcohol

Use chlorhexidine as an alternative antiseptic solution.

HIPAA compliance action for faxing

Clear phone numbers from the fax machine to maintain patient confidentiality.

Action before venipuncture if patient exercises

Have the patient rest comfortably for at least 15 minutes.

Action for filling light blue topped tube during draw

Insert a new light blue topped tube if it does not fill completely.

Method for collecting blood cultures from adults

Withdraw blood into a sterile safety syringe.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate test tube

Use a lavender topped tube for the erythrocyte sedimentation rate test.

Procedure for urine drug culture test

Midstream urine collection is needed for the culture test.

Transport temperature for semen sample

Semen should be transported at body temperature (37°C or 98.6°F).

Avoiding hemolysis during blood collection

Ensure the alcohol at the insertion site has dried before making the puncture.

Technique for stabilizing patient’s arm during venipuncture

Use a phlebotomy wedge.

Troponin level reference range

Troponin levels should be in the range of 0 to 0.2 ng/ml.

Alternative when veins are inaccessible

Use capillary collection as an alternative method.

Tube for routine chemistry test requiring serum

Use an SST (serum separator tube) for serum collection.

NFPA 704 marking system color legends

Blue: health hazard, Yellow: instability, Red: fire hazard, Green: specific health hazards.