PHLEBOTOMY CHAPTER 16 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Accession number - (ANSWER)A unique identifying number used for cataloging the sample in the lab
Aerosol - (ANSWER)A microscopic mist of blood that forms as droplets inside the tube
Aliquots - (ANSWER)Small portions of specimen transferred into separate containers for distribution to
separate departments
Centrifuge - (ANSWER)Spins sample at a very high speed separating components based upon density
Pneumatic tube system - (ANSWER)Samples are carried in sealed plastic carriers that travel within a
network of tubes
CBC - (ANSWER)Complete blood count
CLSI - (ANSWER)Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute
EDTA - (ANSWER)Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
PPE - (ANSWER)Personal protective equipment
OSHA - (ANSWER)Occupational Safety and Health Administration
QNS - (ANSWER)Quantity not sufficient
STAT - (ANSWER)Short turnaround time
Why is proper handling important? What might happen to a sample that is not properly handled and
processed. - (ANSWER)Proper handling ensures accuracy of test results and avoids rejection of the
specimen. Analytes may change over time with temperature changes or exposure to light.
, PHLEBOTOMY CHAPTER 16 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What tests can be affected by glycolysis? - (ANSWER)Tests affected by glycolysis include glucose,
calcitonin, phosphorous, aldosterone, and a number of enzymes
What are the four ways in which samples can be safely transported to the lab? - (ANSWER)1) Direct by
phlebotomist 2) Pneumatic tube 3) Collection department staff 4) Courier 5) Overnight mail
Why should tubes be transported in an upright position? - (ANSWER)Promotes clot formation when
there is no additive present, prevents sample contamination caused by prolonged contact with the
stopper, reduces the likelihood of aerosol formation during uncapping, since the clot does not form at
the top it does not have to be rimmed or detached.
What is the acceptable time between specimen collection and separation of cells from plasma or
serum? - (ANSWER)No more than 2 hours should pass between collection of the sample and separation
of cells from plasma or serum.
Why is the acceptable time between specimen collection and separation of cells from plasma or serum
important? - (ANSWER)Separating the cells from the plasma prevents alteration of the levels of analytes
in the serum or plasma as the cells continue to metabolize.
What are two exceptions to time constraints? - (ANSWER)Glucose samples and whole blood specimens
collected in EDTA for CBCs
In these two exceptions what is the maximum time they may be held? - (ANSWER)Glucose - 24 hours at
room emp and 48 hours at 2-8C. Whole blood specimens in EDTA for 24 hours at room temp.
What tests must samples be kept warm? - (ANSWER)Cold agglutinins, cryoglobulins, cryofibrinogen
How do you keep samples warm? - (ANSWER)Specimens that must be maintained at 37C during
transport and handling should be warmed in a heel warmer before and after collection. Some tests
require warming of the sample in a 37C incubator before testing.
Accession number - (ANSWER)A unique identifying number used for cataloging the sample in the lab
Aerosol - (ANSWER)A microscopic mist of blood that forms as droplets inside the tube
Aliquots - (ANSWER)Small portions of specimen transferred into separate containers for distribution to
separate departments
Centrifuge - (ANSWER)Spins sample at a very high speed separating components based upon density
Pneumatic tube system - (ANSWER)Samples are carried in sealed plastic carriers that travel within a
network of tubes
CBC - (ANSWER)Complete blood count
CLSI - (ANSWER)Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute
EDTA - (ANSWER)Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
PPE - (ANSWER)Personal protective equipment
OSHA - (ANSWER)Occupational Safety and Health Administration
QNS - (ANSWER)Quantity not sufficient
STAT - (ANSWER)Short turnaround time
Why is proper handling important? What might happen to a sample that is not properly handled and
processed. - (ANSWER)Proper handling ensures accuracy of test results and avoids rejection of the
specimen. Analytes may change over time with temperature changes or exposure to light.
, PHLEBOTOMY CHAPTER 16 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What tests can be affected by glycolysis? - (ANSWER)Tests affected by glycolysis include glucose,
calcitonin, phosphorous, aldosterone, and a number of enzymes
What are the four ways in which samples can be safely transported to the lab? - (ANSWER)1) Direct by
phlebotomist 2) Pneumatic tube 3) Collection department staff 4) Courier 5) Overnight mail
Why should tubes be transported in an upright position? - (ANSWER)Promotes clot formation when
there is no additive present, prevents sample contamination caused by prolonged contact with the
stopper, reduces the likelihood of aerosol formation during uncapping, since the clot does not form at
the top it does not have to be rimmed or detached.
What is the acceptable time between specimen collection and separation of cells from plasma or
serum? - (ANSWER)No more than 2 hours should pass between collection of the sample and separation
of cells from plasma or serum.
Why is the acceptable time between specimen collection and separation of cells from plasma or serum
important? - (ANSWER)Separating the cells from the plasma prevents alteration of the levels of analytes
in the serum or plasma as the cells continue to metabolize.
What are two exceptions to time constraints? - (ANSWER)Glucose samples and whole blood specimens
collected in EDTA for CBCs
In these two exceptions what is the maximum time they may be held? - (ANSWER)Glucose - 24 hours at
room emp and 48 hours at 2-8C. Whole blood specimens in EDTA for 24 hours at room temp.
What tests must samples be kept warm? - (ANSWER)Cold agglutinins, cryoglobulins, cryofibrinogen
How do you keep samples warm? - (ANSWER)Specimens that must be maintained at 37C during
transport and handling should be warmed in a heel warmer before and after collection. Some tests
require warming of the sample in a 37C incubator before testing.
