Oklahoma Clinical Laboratory
Assistant Assessment Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2027
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf.
1. A clinical laboratory assistant receives a blood specimen labeled
with a patient's name and date of birth that do not match the
information on the laboratory requisition. What should the
assistant do first?
A. Correct the label using the requisition information
B. Process the specimen because the patient name appears correct
C. Set the specimen aside and follow the laboratory's specimen-
discrepancy procedure
D. Ask another assistant to determine which information is correct
Answer: C.
A mismatch between specimen identification and the requisition creates
a significant patient-safety risk. The specimen should not be relabeled or
processed based on assumptions; the discrepancy must be resolved
,according to laboratory policy and appropriate identification
procedures.
2. Which action is most important when identifying a patient before
collecting a blood specimen?
A. Ask the patient to state their room number
B. Compare two acceptable patient identifiers with the order and
specimen information
C. Ask a family member to confirm the patient's identity
D. Verify only the patient's last name
Answer: B.
Using two appropriate identifiers, such as full name and date of birth,
helps prevent wrong-patient specimen collection and is a fundamental
component of safe laboratory practice.
3. Which vein is generally the preferred site for routine venipuncture
in an adult patient?
A. Basilic vein
B. Cephalic vein
C. Median cubital vein
D. Dorsal hand vein
Answer: C.
,The median cubital vein is commonly preferred because it is usually well
anchored, relatively large, and often provides a reliable blood flow
while reducing the likelihood of accidental arterial or nerve injury.
4. During venipuncture, the tourniquet should generally be placed
approximately how far above the intended puncture site?
A. 1 inch
B. 3–4 inches
C. 6–8 inches
D. 10 inches
Answer: B.
Placing the tourniquet approximately 3–4 inches above the
venipuncture site provides adequate venous engorgement while leaving
sufficient room for antiseptic preparation and needle insertion.
5. Which antiseptic is commonly used to prepare the skin before
routine venipuncture?
A. Sterile water
B. Isopropyl alcohol
C. Petroleum jelly
D. Sodium chloride solution
Answer: B.
, Isopropyl alcohol is commonly used for routine venipuncture because it
reduces microorganisms on the skin before needle insertion.
6. What is the primary purpose of allowing the antiseptic to dry before
inserting the needle?
A. To increase venous pressure
B. To prevent hemolysis caused by the tourniquet
C. To maximize antiseptic effectiveness and reduce discomfort or
contamination
D. To make the vein easier to palpate
Answer: C.
Allowing the antiseptic to dry gives it adequate contact time and
reduces the possibility of carrying wet antiseptic into the puncture site,
which may cause discomfort or interfere with specimen quality.
7. Which additive is typically present in a lavender-top blood
collection tube?
A. Sodium citrate
B. Heparin
C. EDTA
D. Sodium fluoride
Answer: C.
Assistant Assessment Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2027
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf.
1. A clinical laboratory assistant receives a blood specimen labeled
with a patient's name and date of birth that do not match the
information on the laboratory requisition. What should the
assistant do first?
A. Correct the label using the requisition information
B. Process the specimen because the patient name appears correct
C. Set the specimen aside and follow the laboratory's specimen-
discrepancy procedure
D. Ask another assistant to determine which information is correct
Answer: C.
A mismatch between specimen identification and the requisition creates
a significant patient-safety risk. The specimen should not be relabeled or
processed based on assumptions; the discrepancy must be resolved
,according to laboratory policy and appropriate identification
procedures.
2. Which action is most important when identifying a patient before
collecting a blood specimen?
A. Ask the patient to state their room number
B. Compare two acceptable patient identifiers with the order and
specimen information
C. Ask a family member to confirm the patient's identity
D. Verify only the patient's last name
Answer: B.
Using two appropriate identifiers, such as full name and date of birth,
helps prevent wrong-patient specimen collection and is a fundamental
component of safe laboratory practice.
3. Which vein is generally the preferred site for routine venipuncture
in an adult patient?
A. Basilic vein
B. Cephalic vein
C. Median cubital vein
D. Dorsal hand vein
Answer: C.
,The median cubital vein is commonly preferred because it is usually well
anchored, relatively large, and often provides a reliable blood flow
while reducing the likelihood of accidental arterial or nerve injury.
4. During venipuncture, the tourniquet should generally be placed
approximately how far above the intended puncture site?
A. 1 inch
B. 3–4 inches
C. 6–8 inches
D. 10 inches
Answer: B.
Placing the tourniquet approximately 3–4 inches above the
venipuncture site provides adequate venous engorgement while leaving
sufficient room for antiseptic preparation and needle insertion.
5. Which antiseptic is commonly used to prepare the skin before
routine venipuncture?
A. Sterile water
B. Isopropyl alcohol
C. Petroleum jelly
D. Sodium chloride solution
Answer: B.
, Isopropyl alcohol is commonly used for routine venipuncture because it
reduces microorganisms on the skin before needle insertion.
6. What is the primary purpose of allowing the antiseptic to dry before
inserting the needle?
A. To increase venous pressure
B. To prevent hemolysis caused by the tourniquet
C. To maximize antiseptic effectiveness and reduce discomfort or
contamination
D. To make the vein easier to palpate
Answer: C.
Allowing the antiseptic to dry gives it adequate contact time and
reduces the possibility of carrying wet antiseptic into the puncture site,
which may cause discomfort or interfere with specimen quality.
7. Which additive is typically present in a lavender-top blood
collection tube?
A. Sodium citrate
B. Heparin
C. EDTA
D. Sodium fluoride
Answer: C.
