BD All Modules Exam Study Guide (2025/2026 Syllabus)
Module 1: Specimen Collection & Handling
1. What is the primary purpose of the order of draw during venipuncture?
ANSWER ✓ To minimize the risk of sample contamination and cross-contamination
between different types of collection tubes, ensuring accurate test results.
2. Why is a sodium citrate (light blue) tube filled to its precise volume?
ANSWER ✓ The blood-to-anticoagulant ratio is critical. Under-filling alters this ratio,
falsely prolonging coagulation test results like PT and PTT.
3. Which tube should be drawn first in a standard venipuncture order of draw?
ANSWER ✓ Blood culture bottles or the yellow SPS (Sterile) tube, to prevent
contamination with skin flora or other additives.
4. What is the proper procedure for cleansing the site for a blood culture
collection?
ANSWER ✓ Scrub the site with an alcohol-based chlorhexidine solution (or according to
facility policy) using a back-and-forth motion for 30 seconds, followed by isopropyl
alcohol, and allow it to air dry completely.
5. What is the effect of hemolysis on a potassium level, and why?
ANSWER ✓ Hemolysis falsely elevates potassium levels because potassium is an
intracellular cation, and ruptured red blood cells release their contents into the serum.
6. What is the minimum clotting time for a serum separator tube (SST) before
centrifugation?
ANSWER ✓ Typically 30 minutes to allow for complete clot formation and retraction.
7. What is the proper angle of insertion for a routine venipuncture?
ANSWER ✓ 15 to 30 degrees, with the needle bevel facing up.
, 8. What is the recommended maximum number of attempts for a single
phlebotomist?
ANSWER ✓ Two attempts. If unsuccessful, a more experienced colleague should be
asked to try.
9. How should a patient be identified before specimen collection?
ANSWER ✓ Use two unique identifiers, such as asking the patient to state their full name
and date of birth, and matching this to their armband and requisition form.
10. What is the purpose of a tourniquet, and what is the maximum recommended
application time?
ANSWER ✓ To make veins more prominent and accessible. It should not be left on for
longer than one minute to prevent hemoconcentration and hemolysis.
11. Which tube contains no additive and is used for serum tests?
ANSWER ✓ The red-top tube (either plain glass or clot activator).
12. What additive is present in a lavender/purple-top tube and what is its
function?
ANSWER ✓ EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). It chelates calcium, preventing
coagulation by inhibiting the clotting cascade, and is used for hematology tests.
13. What is the proper way to mix tubes after collection?
ANSWER ✓ Gently invert the tubes 5-10 times (depending on the tube type) in a
smooth, rolling motion to ensure proper mixing of the additive without causing
hemolysis.
14. What condition is characterized by a failure of blood to enter the vacuum tube
during venipuncture?
ANSWER ✓ A "collapsed vein," often caused by the vacuum being too strong for the
vein size or the needle going through the vein.
15. What test is most critically affected by prolonged tourniquet application?
ANSWER ✓ Protein-bound analytes like total calcium and albumin, which can become
falsely elevated due to hemoconcentration.
, Module 2: Laboratory Safety & Compliance
16. What does the acronym RACE stand for in a fire emergency?
ANSWER ✓ Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish/Evacuate.
17. What does the acronym PASS stand for when using a fire extinguisher?
ANSWER ✓ Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep from
side to side.
18. According to OSHA, what defines a regulated biohazardous waste?
ANSWER ✓ Liquid or semi-liquid blood or Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM),
contaminated sharps, and pathological and microbiological wastes containing blood or
OPIM.
19. What is the primary purpose of an Exposure Control Plan?
ANSWER ✓ To outline the procedures and protocols designed to minimize or eliminate
employee exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
20. What is the first and most important step after a needlestick or sharps injury?
ANSWER ✓ Immediately wash the wound with soap and running water.
21. What type of fire is a Class ABC fire extinguisher used for?
ANSWER ✓ For ordinary combustibles (A), flammable liquids (B), and electrical fires (C).
22. What is the required labeling for a container of regulated medical waste?
ANSWER ✓ It must display the universal biohazard symbol and the word "Biohazard."
23. What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory for routine
venipuncture?
ANSWER ✓ Gloves. Face and eye protection are required if there is a potential for
splashing or spraying.
24. What information must be included on a specimen container's label?
Module 1: Specimen Collection & Handling
1. What is the primary purpose of the order of draw during venipuncture?
ANSWER ✓ To minimize the risk of sample contamination and cross-contamination
between different types of collection tubes, ensuring accurate test results.
2. Why is a sodium citrate (light blue) tube filled to its precise volume?
ANSWER ✓ The blood-to-anticoagulant ratio is critical. Under-filling alters this ratio,
falsely prolonging coagulation test results like PT and PTT.
3. Which tube should be drawn first in a standard venipuncture order of draw?
ANSWER ✓ Blood culture bottles or the yellow SPS (Sterile) tube, to prevent
contamination with skin flora or other additives.
4. What is the proper procedure for cleansing the site for a blood culture
collection?
ANSWER ✓ Scrub the site with an alcohol-based chlorhexidine solution (or according to
facility policy) using a back-and-forth motion for 30 seconds, followed by isopropyl
alcohol, and allow it to air dry completely.
5. What is the effect of hemolysis on a potassium level, and why?
ANSWER ✓ Hemolysis falsely elevates potassium levels because potassium is an
intracellular cation, and ruptured red blood cells release their contents into the serum.
6. What is the minimum clotting time for a serum separator tube (SST) before
centrifugation?
ANSWER ✓ Typically 30 minutes to allow for complete clot formation and retraction.
7. What is the proper angle of insertion for a routine venipuncture?
ANSWER ✓ 15 to 30 degrees, with the needle bevel facing up.
, 8. What is the recommended maximum number of attempts for a single
phlebotomist?
ANSWER ✓ Two attempts. If unsuccessful, a more experienced colleague should be
asked to try.
9. How should a patient be identified before specimen collection?
ANSWER ✓ Use two unique identifiers, such as asking the patient to state their full name
and date of birth, and matching this to their armband and requisition form.
10. What is the purpose of a tourniquet, and what is the maximum recommended
application time?
ANSWER ✓ To make veins more prominent and accessible. It should not be left on for
longer than one minute to prevent hemoconcentration and hemolysis.
11. Which tube contains no additive and is used for serum tests?
ANSWER ✓ The red-top tube (either plain glass or clot activator).
12. What additive is present in a lavender/purple-top tube and what is its
function?
ANSWER ✓ EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). It chelates calcium, preventing
coagulation by inhibiting the clotting cascade, and is used for hematology tests.
13. What is the proper way to mix tubes after collection?
ANSWER ✓ Gently invert the tubes 5-10 times (depending on the tube type) in a
smooth, rolling motion to ensure proper mixing of the additive without causing
hemolysis.
14. What condition is characterized by a failure of blood to enter the vacuum tube
during venipuncture?
ANSWER ✓ A "collapsed vein," often caused by the vacuum being too strong for the
vein size or the needle going through the vein.
15. What test is most critically affected by prolonged tourniquet application?
ANSWER ✓ Protein-bound analytes like total calcium and albumin, which can become
falsely elevated due to hemoconcentration.
, Module 2: Laboratory Safety & Compliance
16. What does the acronym RACE stand for in a fire emergency?
ANSWER ✓ Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish/Evacuate.
17. What does the acronym PASS stand for when using a fire extinguisher?
ANSWER ✓ Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep from
side to side.
18. According to OSHA, what defines a regulated biohazardous waste?
ANSWER ✓ Liquid or semi-liquid blood or Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM),
contaminated sharps, and pathological and microbiological wastes containing blood or
OPIM.
19. What is the primary purpose of an Exposure Control Plan?
ANSWER ✓ To outline the procedures and protocols designed to minimize or eliminate
employee exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
20. What is the first and most important step after a needlestick or sharps injury?
ANSWER ✓ Immediately wash the wound with soap and running water.
21. What type of fire is a Class ABC fire extinguisher used for?
ANSWER ✓ For ordinary combustibles (A), flammable liquids (B), and electrical fires (C).
22. What is the required labeling for a container of regulated medical waste?
ANSWER ✓ It must display the universal biohazard symbol and the word "Biohazard."
23. What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory for routine
venipuncture?
ANSWER ✓ Gloves. Face and eye protection are required if there is a potential for
splashing or spraying.
24. What information must be included on a specimen container's label?
