1. Which of the following actions should a phlebotomist take when using a tourniquet?
A. Tie a knot with the tourniquet that will not slip.
B. Release the tourniquet with one hand. Correct
C. Position the tourniquet 3 to 4 inches below the site.
D. Wash the tourniquet with soap and water after use.
Explanation
Tourniquets must be easily and quickly releasable with one hand to prevent prolonged constriction, which can lead to hemoconcentration, petechiae, or nerve injury. Tying a knot (A) is unsafe as it may not release easily. The tourniquet should be placed 3-4 inches ABOVE the site, not below (C). While tourniquets should be cleaned, washing with soap/water (D) is not the immediate action during use; they are typically disinfected between patients.
2. Which of the following information should be included in the chain of custody following a blood alcohol testing procedure?
A. The timeline of the individual prior to specimen collection
B. The identity of each person who handles the specimen Correct
C. The physical and mental status of the individual before and after specimen collection
D. The condition of the specimen every hour
Explanation
Chain of custody (CoC) is a legal document that tracks the handling and storage of a specimen from collection to final disposition. The core requirement is documenting the identity of every person who has custody of the specimen to ensure its integrity and prevent tampering. While other details might be noted, the continuous identity trail is mandatory.
3. A phlebotomist has washed their hands in preparation for a routine venipuncture. Which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take to dry their hand?
A. Dry hands with a sterile towel.
B. Dry hands with a clean disposable towel. Correct
C. Dry hands with the sanitizing hand gel.
D. Dry hands with a disposable sanitizing cloth.
Explanation
After handwashing, hands should be dried thoroughly with a clean, disposable paper towel to prevent recontamination. Sterile towels (A) are unnecessary for routine phlebotomy. Hand gel (C) is for sanitizing, not drying. Sanitizing cloths (D) are for surface disinfection, not hand drying.
4. Which of the following techniques of needle insertion into the antecubital space is in accordance with suggested venipuncture guidelines?
A. Perpendicular to the vein at an angle of 30° to 45°
B. With the bevel facing up at an angle of 15° to 30° Correct
C. Parallel to the vein at an angle of 35°
D. With the bevel facing down at an angle of 25°
Explanation
Standard venipuncture technique involves inserting the needle with the bevel facing up at a shallow angle of 15° to 30° to the skin. This minimizes the risk of penetrating through the vein and facilitates smooth entry. A perpendicular angle (A) is too steep. Parallel (C) is not a typical angle description. Bevel down (D) is incorrect as it can cause vein trauma.
5. To verify the quality of collection tubes, how often should the expiration date for the tubes be checked?
A. Quarterly while performing inventory
B. Before each use Correct
C. Once every month
D. At the end of each shift
Explanation
The expiration date on vacuum tubes must be checked immediately before each use. Expired tubes may have compromised vacuum, incorrect additive concentrations, or sterility issues, which can lead to inaccurate test results or specimen rejection.