Practice Quiz

Phlebotomy Technician

Category - Procedures & Tubes

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Phil the New Phlebotomy Tech was about to collect a blood sample after performing a successful heel puncture. His supervisor stopped him, and asked, “Phil, did you forget something?” and then wiped the first drop of blood away. Phil the New Phlebotomy Tech is a tad irritated and a bit confused. Why did the supervisor wipe away the first drop of blood?
  1. Phil was about to collect a sample which likely contains more tissue fluid than blood.
  2. The supervisor was testing him.
  3. The supervisor doesn’t like Phil
  4. Phil did not cleanse the area prior to puncturing the site.
Explanation
Answer: A - Infants do not bleed as easily as adults do; the first drop is likely to contain tissue fluid, as well as skin contaminants. Wiping away the first drop of blood, prevents the sample contamination by tissue fluid or normal flora of the skin.
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