MEDCA Exam Study Guide
Phlebotomy Questions and Answers |
Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct &
Verified
What is the primary purpose of using a butterfly needle?
✔✔To collect blood from small or difficult veins
Why should a phlebotomist avoid drawing blood from a site with a hematoma?
✔✔It can cause pain, further bruising, and inaccurate results
What is the correct procedure if a patient faints during a blood draw?
✔✔Stop the procedure, lower the patient to the floor, and ensure airway is clear
Which part of the hand is preferred for a dermal puncture in adults?
✔✔Lateral side of the middle or ring finger
Why should the first drop of blood be wiped away during a capillary collection?
✔✔To prevent contamination with tissue fluid
1
,What is the recommended depth for a heel stick on an infant?
✔✔No deeper than 2.0 mm to avoid hitting bone
Why is it important to use proper personal protective equipment during phlebotomy?
✔✔To protect against exposure to bloodborne pathogens
Which type of antiseptic is most commonly used for routine venipuncture?
✔✔70% isopropyl alcohol
Why should a phlebotomist avoid using veins that are sclerosed or hard?
✔✔They may be difficult to puncture and cause hemolysis
What is the proper method for inverting a tube with anticoagulant?
✔✔Invert gently 5–10 times to mix blood with additive
Why is it important to avoid excessive probing with the needle?
✔✔It can cause tissue damage and patient discomfort
2
, Why is hand hygiene critical before and after every blood collection?
✔✔To prevent the spread of infection and protect both patient and phlebotomist
Which vein is most commonly used for routine venipuncture?
✔✔Median cubital vein
Why should a tourniquet never be left on a patient’s arm for more than one minute?
✔✔Prolonged application can cause hemoconcentration and affect test results
What is the proper angle of needle insertion for a standard venipuncture?
✔✔15–30 degrees
Why is it important to label blood specimens immediately after collection?
✔✔To prevent misidentification and ensure accurate testing
Which additive is found in a lavender-top tube?
✔✔EDTA
3
Phlebotomy Questions and Answers |
Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct &
Verified
What is the primary purpose of using a butterfly needle?
✔✔To collect blood from small or difficult veins
Why should a phlebotomist avoid drawing blood from a site with a hematoma?
✔✔It can cause pain, further bruising, and inaccurate results
What is the correct procedure if a patient faints during a blood draw?
✔✔Stop the procedure, lower the patient to the floor, and ensure airway is clear
Which part of the hand is preferred for a dermal puncture in adults?
✔✔Lateral side of the middle or ring finger
Why should the first drop of blood be wiped away during a capillary collection?
✔✔To prevent contamination with tissue fluid
1
,What is the recommended depth for a heel stick on an infant?
✔✔No deeper than 2.0 mm to avoid hitting bone
Why is it important to use proper personal protective equipment during phlebotomy?
✔✔To protect against exposure to bloodborne pathogens
Which type of antiseptic is most commonly used for routine venipuncture?
✔✔70% isopropyl alcohol
Why should a phlebotomist avoid using veins that are sclerosed or hard?
✔✔They may be difficult to puncture and cause hemolysis
What is the proper method for inverting a tube with anticoagulant?
✔✔Invert gently 5–10 times to mix blood with additive
Why is it important to avoid excessive probing with the needle?
✔✔It can cause tissue damage and patient discomfort
2
, Why is hand hygiene critical before and after every blood collection?
✔✔To prevent the spread of infection and protect both patient and phlebotomist
Which vein is most commonly used for routine venipuncture?
✔✔Median cubital vein
Why should a tourniquet never be left on a patient’s arm for more than one minute?
✔✔Prolonged application can cause hemoconcentration and affect test results
What is the proper angle of needle insertion for a standard venipuncture?
✔✔15–30 degrees
Why is it important to label blood specimens immediately after collection?
✔✔To prevent misidentification and ensure accurate testing
Which additive is found in a lavender-top tube?
✔✔EDTA
3
