MedCa Phlebotomy Certification Exam Overview

Questions and Answers

What is the MedCa Phlebotomy Certification Exam Review?

Collection of quiz style questions for study purposes.

What department studies disease?

Pathology

What is the general blood volume for the average adult?

5 Liters

What are erythrocytes?

(RBC) Red Blood Cells. Main Function: Carry oxygen and transport carbon dioxide. Signup and view all the answers

A leukocyte is?

(WBC) White Blood Cells. Main Function: Combat infection. Signup and view all the answers

Platelets are also called?

Thrombocytes Signup and view all the answers

Mature RBC's have an approximate lifespan of?

120 Days Signup and view all the answers

What iron-containing pigment enables RBCs to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide?

Hemoglobin Signup and view all the answers

The role of a phlebotomist in the lab is?

Pre-Analytical Signup and view all the answers

Blood collection on neonatology floors involves what type of patients?

Newborn Signup and view all the answers

Which department is consulted on blood collection timing and drug levels?

Pharmacy Signup and view all the answers

Where are blood cells produced?

RBC's are produced in the bone marrow. WBC's are formed in bone marrow and lymphatic system. Signup and view all the answers

Flowcharts can be used to?

Quality Improvement Signup and view all the answers

Quality Improvement for specimen collection frequently involves everything except?

Frequency of hematoma's Signup and view all the answers

What are Pareto charts?

Raw charts that show frequency of problems. Signup and view all the answers

An abnormal reduction in the number of RBCs in the circulating blood is called?

Anemia Signup and view all the answers

To avoid transfusion reaction what should be done prior?

Blood typing and cross matching. Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of formed elements in blood?

45% Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of blood is plasma (pale-yellow fluid)?

55% Signup and view all the answers

What is separated from a clotted blood specimen?

Serum Signup and view all the answers

Machine used to remove serum from clotted blood?

Centrifuge Signup and view all the answers

The supine position is?

Lying in the back with the face up. Signup and view all the answers

RFID means?

Radio Frequency Identification. Signup and view all the answers

Normal range of Blood pH?

7.35 to 7.45 Signup and view all the answers

Which tubing is used for lead determinations?

Tan topped tube Signup and view all the answers

Maximum time limit for separated specimen between collection and delivery should not exceed?

2 hours for accurate results Signup and view all the answers

Donor collection bags use what when collecting units of blood for transfusion?

Anticoagulant and preservative CPD (citrate-phosphate-dextrose) or acid citrate dextrose. Signup and view all the answers

Acid Citrate Dextrose is used for?

Immunohematology test: DNA or Leukocyte antigen (HLA) Phenotyping. Signup and view all the answers

To avoid microclotting, how many inversions should be done?

8 inversions Signup and view all the answers

Putting gloves on in view of the patient prior to venipuncture does what?

Reassures safety for patient and worker. Signup and view all the answers

Safest way to transport specimens?

Pneumatic tube system (PST) Signup and view all the answers

When testing for copper (Cu Level), Wilson disease or nephritic disease, which tubing is needed?

Royal Blue topped tube. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most reliable way to avoid transcription errors?

Computerized labs using Barcodes. Signup and view all the answers

If arm veins can't be used for venipuncture, what other locations can be used?

Dorsal side of hand or wrist. Signup and view all the answers

Most commonly requested special?

Glucose Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to have correct blood values when collecting blood with anticoagulant?

Correct blood to additive ratio stops artificially prolonged clotting times. Signup and view all the answers

What specimen does not need to be transported on ice?

Blood Culture Specimen. Signup and view all the answers

When performing a fingerstick, it is important to?

Wipe away the 1st contaminated blood drop. Signup and view all the answers

Smearing during blood collection should be done at what angle?

30 degrees. Signup and view all the answers

Where should you stick during a fingerstick procedure?

Across the fingerprint line. Signup and view all the answers

In most cases, when should one determine the level of meds in the blood?

Just prior to next dose. Signup and view all the answers

Skin puncture is done to?

Obtain small amounts of blood. Signup and view all the answers

How many chromosomes are there?

46 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

MedCa Phlebotomy Certification Exam Overview

Includes quiz-style questions for review and study purposes.

Pathology

Department focused on the study of diseases.

Blood Volume

Average adult has approximately 5 liters of blood.
Blood composition: 55% plasma and 45% formed elements.

Erythrocytes

Also known as red blood cells (RBC).
Function: Transport oxygen from lungs to tissues and carry carbon dioxide back to lungs.

Leukocytes

Known as white blood cells (WBC).
Function: Combat infections and remove disintegrated tissues, lacking a nucleus.

Platelets

Referred to as thrombocytes.
Key role in the coagulation process, they are the smallest formed elements in blood.

Lifespan of RBCs

Mature red blood cells live for approximately 120 days.

Hemoglobin

Iron-containing pigment in RBCs responsible for oxygen and carbon dioxide transport.

Role of a Phlebotomist

Focuses on pre-analytical processes in laboratory settings.

Neonatology Blood Collection

Involves blood collection from newborns, typically hours to several days old.

Blood Collection Timing

Pharmacy department is consulted for optimal blood collection timing and drug levels.

Blood Cell Production

RBCs produced in the bone marrow, while WBCs are formed in both bone marrow and lymphatic system.

Quality Improvement

Flowcharts utilized for enhancing quality improvement in specimen collection processes.

Hematomas in Specimen Collection

Quality improvement efforts do not typically involve the frequency of hematomas.

Pareto Charts

Charting method that displays the frequency of problems encountered.

Anemia

Defined as an abnormal reduction in the number of circulating RBCs.

Transfusion Reactions

Preventative measures include blood typing and cross-matching, involving ABO and Rh blood group systems.

Blood Composition

Formed elements constitute 45% of blood, while plasma makes up 55%.

Serum

Clear, pale-yellow fluid obtained from clotted blood after centrifugation, lacks fibrinogen but resembles plasma.

Centrifuge

Equipment used to separate serum from clotted blood specimens.

Supine Position

Lying on the back with the face up, commonly used in medical settings.

RFID Technology

Stands for Radio Frequency Identification, incorporating silicon chips in wireless systems for identification.

Blood pH Range

Normal blood pH maintains a steady range of 7.35 to 7.45.

Tubing for Lead Determinations

Tan topped tube is specifically used for testing lead.

Specimen Transportation Limits

Separated specimens should be delivered within 2 hours for accurate results.

Blood Donation

Anticoagulant and preservative (CPD) are used in donor collection bags for blood transfusions.

Acid Citrate Dextrose

Special use anticoagulant for immunohematology tests, useful in DNA evaluation and transplant compatibility.

Inversions During Blood Collection

To prevent microclotting, a minimum of 8 inversions is necessary after blood collection.

Patient Safety During Venipuncture

Donning gloves in front of the patient reassures them of safety protocols.

Specimen Transportation

The safest method for transporting specimens is a pneumatic tube system (PST).

Tubing for Copper Testing

Royal blue topped tube required when testing for copper levels and associated diseases.

Avoiding Transcription Errors

Utilizing computerized labs with barcode systems enhances accuracy in lab processes.

Alternate Venipuncture Sites

If arm veins are unavailable, consider the dorsal side of the hand or wrist.

Commonly Requested Test

Glucose testing is one of the most frequently requested laboratory tests.

Blood and Anticoagulant Ratio

Maintaining the correct blood-to-additive ratio is crucial to avoiding artificially extended clotting times.

Blood Culture Specimen Transport

Blood culture specimens do not require transport on ice.

Fingerstick Procedure

Important to wipe away the first drop of contaminated blood when performing fingersticks.

Blood Smear Angle

Blood smears should be performed at a 30-degree angle for optimal results.

Fingerstick Site

Puncture should be made across the fingerprint lines for effective blood collection.

Medication Levels Testing

Blood medication levels should typically be evaluated just prior to the next scheduled dose.

Skin Puncture Procedures

Skin punctures are performed to obtain small quantities of blood, particularly in neonates or anemic patients.

Chromosome Count

Humans possess a total of 46 chromosomes.

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Description

Prepare for the MedCa Phlebotomy Certification Exam with this comprehensive overview. The quiz covers essential topics including the anatomy of blood, the roles of different blood cells, and the vital functions of a phlebotomist. Review quiz-style questions to enhance your understanding and readiness for certification.