Healthcare Students and Medical Assistants | Venipuncture
Techniques, Blood Collection, Safety Protocols, Specimen
Handling, Infection Control, Patient Communication, and Clinical
Skills | Comprehensive Phlebotomy Exam Preparation to
Strengthen Practical Skills, Accuracy, and Certification Readiness
, Question 1:
What is the correct order of draw for blood collection tubes when performing
venipuncture?
A) Yellow, Light Blue, Red, Green, Lavender, Gray
B) Light Blue, Yellow, Red, Green, Lavender, Gray
C) Lavender, Gray, Green, Red, Yellow, Light Blue
D) Red, Light Blue, Green, Gray, Lavender, Yellow
Correct Option: A) Yellow, Light Blue, Red, Green, Lavender, Gray
Rationale:
The order of draw is crucial because it prevents cross-contamination of additive
material between tubes. Blood cultures and sterility are prioritized first to avoid
contamination, hence yellow tubes come first. This is followed by light blue tubes,
which contain sodium citrate that can interfere with coagulation tests if drawn after
tubes with other additives. The sequence continues with red tubes (which have no
additives), green tubes (heparin), lavender tubes (EDTA), and finally gray tubes (which
contain fluoride) to maintain sample integrity.
Question 2:
Which of the following is the most important safety measure to take before performing
venipuncture?
A) Wearing gloves
B) Cleaning the site with alcohol
C) Ensuring patient identification
D) Using a new needle for each draw
Correct Option: C) Ensuring patient identification
Rationale:
While wearing gloves and properly cleaning the venipuncture site are important safety
practices, ensuring the correct patient identification is paramount. Incorrect specimen
collection from the wrong patient can lead to serious medical errors, including
misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Procedures typically require verifying the
patient's identity using at least two identifiers, such as the patient's name and date of
birth, to prevent such occurrences.
Question 3:
What complication might arise from improper technique during venipuncture?
A) Hematoma formation
B) Phlebitis