Lab Test
Which laboratory test is commonly used to evaluate blood glucose levels over time?
A. CBC
B. Hemoglobin A1C
C. PT/INR
D. Troponin
Answer: B. Hemoglobin A1C
A phlebotomist collects a PT/INR specimen but does not completely fill the light blue tube. What is the MOST likely result?
A. Hemolysis of the specimen
B. Incorrect blood-to-additive ratio affecting test results
C. Increased glucose levels
D. Clotted serum specimen
Answer: B. Incorrect blood-to-additive ratio affecting test results
A patient scheduled for a fasting lipid panel states they ate breakfast 4 hours earlier because they forgot about the instructions. What is the MOST appropriate action by the phlebotomist?
A. Perform the collection and omit documentation
B. Continue the collection because 4 hours is sufficient fasting time
C. Document the information and notify the nurse or provider
D. Tell the patient to return only if symptoms occur
Answer: C. Document the information and notify the nurse or provider
1. A phlebotomist is assigned to collect a peak level medication test. When should the specimen generally be collected?
A. Immediately before the next medication dose
B. At the time specified after medication administration
C. After the patient has fasted for 12 hours
D. Only during morning rounds
Answer: B. At the time specified after medication administration
A phlebotomist explains the venipuncture procedure to a patient, and the patient verbally agrees to the collection. This is an example of:
A. Assault
B. Informed consent
C. Negligence
D. Battery
Answer: B. Informed consent
Which tube is commonly used to collect a complete blood count (CBC)?
A. Light blue
B. Gray
C. Lavender
D. Green
Answer: C. Lavender
Which coagulation test is MOST used to monitor a patient receiving continuous heparin therapy?
A. PT
B. INR
C. PTT
D. ESR
Answer: C. PTT
A phlebotomist notices a patient is extremely anxious before venipuncture and has a history of fainting. Which action is BEST?
A. Perform the draw with the patient standing
B. Delay identification until after the draw
C. Position the patient safely before collection begins
D. Use only a capillary puncture
Answer: C. Position the patient safely before collection begins
A phlebotomist accidentally collects a trough level specimen 1 hour after the medication was administered. What is the MOST likely consequence?
A. Increased patient identification accuracy
B. Incorrect therapeutic drug monitoring results
C. Improved medication absorption results
D. Decreased specimen volume
Answer: B. Incorrect therapeutic drug monitoring results
A patient refuses a blood draw after the procedure has been explained. What is the MOST appropriate action by the phlebotomist?
A. Continue the procedure quickly
B. Ask another staff member to hold the patient still
C. Respect the refusal and notify the nurse or provider
D. Leave the room without documentation
Answer: C. Respect the refusal and notify the nurse or provider
Which laboratory test is used to evaluate heart muscle damage?
A. Lipase
B. Troponin
C. Bilirubin
D. ESR
Answer: B. Troponin
A coagulation specimen is accidentally shaken vigorously after collection. What complication may occur?
A. Platelet activation and inaccurate results
B. Increased serum glucose
C. Improved specimen quality
D. Faster clot formation for testing
Answer: A. Platelet activation and inaccurate results
Which patient statement would MOST likely require clarification before specimen collection?
A. “I only drank water this morning.”
B. “I took my medication with orange juice before my fasting test.”
C. “I brought my identification with me.”
D. “I understand why my blood is being collected.”
Answer: B. “I took my medication with orange juice before my fasting test.”
Why must the exact collection time be documented on timed draw specimens?
A. To improve specimen transport speed
B. To ensure accurate interpretation of laboratory results
C. To reduce centrifugation requirements
D. To prevent tube additive contamination
Answer: B. To ensure accurate interpretation of laboratory results
A patient extends their arm for venipuncture after the phlebotomist explains the procedure. This is an example of:
A. Informed refusal
B. Implied consent
C. Negligence
D. Assault
Answer: B. Implied consent
A lipid panel is primarily ordered to evaluate a patient:
A. Liver enzymes
B. Kidney function
C. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels
D. Blood clotting ability
Answer: C. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Why is prolonged tourniquet application a concern when collecting coagulation studies?
A. It can cause hemoconcentration and alter results
B. It decreases sodium citrate levels
C. It prevents blood from clotting
D. It sterilizes the puncture site
Answer: A. It can cause hemoconcentration and alter results
Why is accurate patient identification considered part of proper patient preparation?
A. It decreases centrifugation time
B. It ensures specimens are collected from the correct patient
C. It prevents all specimen recollections
D. It improves vein visibility
Answer: B. It ensures specimens are collected from the correct patient
A physician orders a timed glucose tolerance test. Which action by the phlebotomist is MOST important?
A. Collect all specimens at the ordered intervals
B. Use only capillary puncture methods
C. Draw all specimens at the same time
D. Avoid documenting collection times
Answer: A. Collect all specimens at the ordered intervals
Which situation requires the phlebotomist to STOP the procedure immediately?
A. The patient asks questions about the test
B. The patient states they no longer want the blood draw performed
C. The patient requests a smaller needle
D. The patient looks away during collection
Answer: B. The patient states they no longer want the blood draw performed
Which laboratory test commonly requires a fasting specimen?
A. CBC
B. Blood culture
C. Lipid panel
D. Hematocrit
Answer: C. Lipid panel
A phlebotomist notices small clots in a light blue coagulation tube before transport. What is the BEST action?
A. Send the specimen to the laboratory anyway
B. Mix the tube again to dissolve the clots
C. Recollect the specimen following proper procedure
D. Centrifuge the specimen immediately
Answer: C. Recollect the specimen following proper procedure
A patient becomes pale and reports nausea immediately before venipuncture. What should the phlebotomist do FIRST?
A. Continue quickly to avoid delaying testing
B. Remove all collection supplies from the room
C. Assist the patient into a safe position and assess the situation
D. Ask the patient to walk around briefly
Answer: C. Assist the patient into a safe position and assess the situation
A phlebotomist realizes a timed specimen was collected 15 minutes late. What is the BEST action?
A. Discard the specimen immediately without documentation
B. Change the collection time to match the ordered time
C. Document the actual collection time and notify appropriate personnel if required
D. Label the specimen without the time collected
Answer: C. Document the actual collection time and notify appropriate personnel if required
Why is obtaining patient consent important before specimen collection?
A. It improves specimen centrifugation
B. It ensures the patient understands and agrees to the procedure
C. It eliminates all laboratory errors
D. It shortens collection time
Answer: B. It ensures the patient understands and agrees to the procedure