Which additive in the light blue tube binds calcium to prevent clotting?
Sodium Citrate
How long should serum tubes clot before centrifugation?
30 minutes
What federal agency regulates exposure to bloodborne pathogens?
OSHA
What is the minimum hemoglobin level for a person to donate blood?
12.5 g/dL
You're about to draw blood but realize the requisition form has two different patient names. What should you do?
Stop and clarify the patient identity before proceeding.
What color tube is used for testing heavy metals like lead or arsenic?
Royal Blue
What should you do if a tube requires chilling?
Place it in an ice slurry immediately after collection.
Which body provides guidelines for lab specimen labeling and collection?
CLSI
Which finger is most commonly used for adult capillary punctures?
Middle or ring finger (3rd or 4th digit)
A patient with a known latex allergy is about to have a blood draw. What should you do?
Use non-latex gloves and equipment and label them as latex-allergic.
Which tube contains potassium oxalate and sodium fluoride?
Gray tube
A urine sample for culture must be delivered to the lab within how long?A urine sample for culture must be delivered to the lab within how long?
Within 2 hours or refrigerated
What is the Joint Commission's main goal related to patient care?
Improving safety and quality in healthcare organizations
Why should the first drop of blood be wiped away during a dermal puncture?
It contains tissue fluid and may dilute the sample
You’ve just completed a successful draw, but realize you forgot to invert the lavender tube. What might this cause?
Clotting of the sample, making it unusable
Which additive in the green tube inhibits thrombin formation?
Heparin
What is the maximum time between venipuncture and centrifugation for plasma separation?
2 hours
CLIA classifies lab tests into waived, moderate, and high complexity. Who can perform waived tests?
Properly trained non-laboratory personnel
What sample is required for a neonatal screening test?
Capillary blood from the heel
A patient refuses to have their blood drawn after the procedure has started. What is your next step?
Stop immediately and document the refusal; notify the nurse or provider.
Which tube contains no additive and is often used for serum chemistry or drug levels?
Plain Red
Which test is light-sensitive and must be protected from light after collection?
Bilirubin
Under HIPAA, how must patient health data be stored and transmitted?
Securely and only accessed by authorized personnel
What is the preferred site for venipuncture in a child under 2 years old?
Dorsal hand or scalp veins (or heel for capillary sampling)
You collect a blood culture, but forgot to cleanse the site properly. What is the likely outcome?
The specimen may be contaminated, leading to a false-positive result